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, teenage 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.
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International Women's Day Grants
International Women’s Day is an annual highlight for Women Changemakers. Each year we offer the fellows an opportunity to respond to the year’s theme.
“Addressing Period Poverty”
Kate (Yea) Wodenya Amenyikor - The Boa Daakye Foundation:
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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.
“Lift Girls Up as Leaders – Educate, Engage and Inspire for Inclusion”
Kibtiya Mohammed Faruk - Create Impact Foundation (CIE)
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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.
“STEM for Every Girl”
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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!
Hamdara Mahama - What About Them (WAT) Foundation
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What About Them (WAT) Foundation sponsored a seminar spotlighting three notable women community leaders who addressed such topics as 1) taking academic performance seriously, 2) building self-confidence, and 3) making informed career choices which will contribute to the students’ growth and development. A total of 80 students, three keynote speakers, and seven mentors attended the event. In addition, students received exercise books and pens to aid them in their academic activities.
"IWD Safe and Inclusive Micro-grant”
Nana Ama Boa Amponsem - Think Education Foundation
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By placing the IWD funds directly in hands of a local grammar school she was able to address basic health and safety issues for the 215 students and seven teachers in the nine villages this school serves. This video attests to the importance of the investment: https://galleries.page.link/LVJVH
“Invest in Women”
Teni Agana - Lozelle Foundation
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An initiative to address two convergent needs: earning money for school fees and baking bread! With no bakery in her northern Ghana communities, Teni’s grant trained 15 mothers with school-going girls in bread making. The community supported the program with a donated oven and free training. Next steps are to purchase a three-wheeler to distribute and sell the bread. Proceeds pay for school fees.
“Enough! Get Involved! Get Vocal!”
Ophelia Opoku
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IWD project trained volunteers and coordinators to 1) identify conditions which support abuse, 2) recognize abuse, 3) educate beneficiaries on health body boundaries and 4) educate parents about communicating with their daughters about sexual behavior. Working with the Enough Abuse Campaign in Boston, MA the project trained 15 volunteers and coordinators and established a formal working relationship with the Enough Abuse Campaign for ongoing training and support in Ghana.
“Bridging Dreams with Threads”
Jennifer Quartey - Teens in Entrepreneurship Foundation
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Addressing the resource gaps faced by students from low income families attending Vocational and Technical Schools. In this project, sewing machines and design training were donated to three girls who had demonstrated keen skills and interest in fashion design. The project leadership also discussed the importance of International Women’s Day with the vocational school staff. Finally, several students received exercise books, allowing them to complete curriculum assignments for a full semester.
Strategic Program Grants
Capping off the three year Fellowship are the strategic program grants which support the administrative, programmatic, and strategic needs as determined by each Fellow.