Too many girls and young women are held back from pursuing careers in male-dominated fields due to social norms, stereotypes, and limited opportunities. In Ghana, women represent less than 20% of the workforce in technical areas such as welding, fabrication, and electrical work. To close this gap, Gray Network launched this project to empower young women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to break barriers and succeed in these professions.
Gray Network provided hands-on technical training for young women in welding, fabrication, and electrical work. The program combined practical exercises with mentorship to build confidence, break gender stereotypes, and prepare participants for the job market.
22 young women
- 15 young women gained employable technical skills in electrical, welding, and fabrication.
- 5 participants secured apprenticeship placements with local artisans and companies.
- 2 participants have already started small-scale self-employment projects using their skills.
- Increased confidence and resilience among young women to pursue non-traditional career paths.
- Shift in community perceptions as families and leaders witnessed girls breaking barriers in male-dominated fields.
Empowering women to enter male-dominated professions reduces gender inequality and opens pathways to decent work and economic independence. By equipping young women with practical skills in engineering-related fields, this project not only tackles unemployment but also challenges harmful stereotypes that limit women’s potential. Creating opportunities for women in technical professions is a step toward building inclusive, innovative, and resilient communities.