Micro-Grants
Our Fellows are creating meaningful impact through localized community initiatives. In addition to the leadership training and the mentorship we support them through our Small Grants Fund, offered toward the end their two-year fellowship. These grants help Fellows expand and scale-up their grass roots programs.
To date 24 grants have been awarded which have reached over 95,000 people. Key program areas: inclusion, teenaged pregnancy, literacy, STEM, pre-school education, to name a few. In addition, each March 8th, International Women’s Day micro-grants are a regular program feature. They allow Fellows to showcase their work in the context of the IWD Annual themes.
International Women's Day
International Women’s Day is an annual highlight for Women Changemakers. Each year we offer the fellows an opportunity to respond to that year’s theme. (talk about the theme) (mention the individual projects)
Kate (Yea) Wodenya Amenyikor's “Addressing Period Poverty” by the Boa Daakye Foundation:
A key educational challenge for adolescent girls is staying in school, as periods can keep girls out of school several days or weeks, causing them to fall behind. To meet this challenge, WC4E Fellow Yaa and the Boa Daakye Foundation trained 43 girls in the Dehia Basic School (rural Ghana) on strategies to stay in school, continue learning, and end “period poverty”! Training included educational sessions on menstruation, sexual health, avoiding pregnancy, and menstrual hygiene, as well as a workshop on producing low-cost menstruation products.
Kibtiya Mohammed Faruk’s Create Impact Foundation (CIE) sponsored “Lift Girls Up as Leaders – Educate, Engage and Inspire for Inclusion”:
In partnership with the Imam Khoimeini Islamic School in Central Ghana, CIE sponsored a classroom-based series of conversations about the importance of investing in women and girls, exploring career choices open to girls, and exposing the damaging effects of sexual harassment. The sessions were attended by over 100 students, parents, teachers and administrators. While impossible to chart the long-term effect of the day, important conversations were launched.
Angelina Anita Ama Annobil’s MBASIAFO Foundation hosted “STEM for Every Girl” targeting girls in STEM:
The conference took place in Ekurabadze, the central region of Ghana, and focused on creating awareness about girls and STEM and helping participants understand what STEM is and the career opportunities it has to offer. Attended by 86 girls, 87% had no pre-knowledge of STEM and after the day-long session, 97% were more interested in pursuing careers in STEM! We call that a win!
Strategic Program Grants
Nana Ama, Ophelia, and Patricia's program grant
Capping off the three year Fellowship are the strategic program grants which support the administrative, programmatic, and strategic needs as determined by each Fellow. Examples are below.