Give to Gain: Transforming Communities in Northern Ghana Through Investing in Women and Girls
As the world wraps up the celebrations of the International Women’s Day 2026 and Women’s Month under the global theme “Give to Gain,” NORSAAC reaffirms a simple yet powerful truth: investing in women and girls today leads to stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive societies tomorrow. This belief is not just a statement of intent in Northern Ghana; it is a lived reality. Through sustained, community-driven interventions, NORSAAC demonstrates that meaningful investment in women’s rights, leadership, and economic empowerment yields lasting and generational impact.
Investing in Women’s Voices and Rights
At the core of NORSAAC’s work is a commitment to advancing women’s rights and gender equality. Through advocacy, community engagement, and policy influence, women are increasingly finding their voices in spaces where they were once excluded. From community dialogues to leadership platforms, women are not only participating but also shaping decisions that affect their lives. This shift reflects a broader transformation: women are recognised as equal stakeholders in governance and development.
Breaking Barriers: Ending Harmful Practices
NORSAAC continues to play a crucial role in challenging harmful cultural practices like child marriage. By collaborating with community leaders, families, and local organizations across over 109 communities, the organization is actively working to change deeply ingrained social norms.
These efforts not only safeguard girls but also provide them with the opportunity to stay in school, pursue their aspirations, and make meaningful contributions to society.
Economic Empowerment: From Survival to Stability
Economic independence remains a fundamental pillar of empowerment. Through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), vocational training, and business development support, women are building sustainable livelihoods and transforming their futures.
Mohammed Kusumi a young fashion designer in Tamale and beneficiary of NORSAAC’s Business Development for Youth Artisans (BD4YA) project shares her journey:
“The lack of modern practical skills was my biggest challenge. I always wanted to learn design and painting, but I lacked the means. When I received the grant, I enrolled in a drawing class and learned how to paint dresses.”
What started as a simple opportunity has blossomed into a thriving business:
She no longer outsources her design work.
Her confidence and income have significantly increased.
Her children’s education is now uninterrupted.
She has become a source of inspiration and training for others.
“Now I always have orders to deliver. The only time I turn customers away is when I have too much work.”
Mohammed Kulsumi is story is one of 29 young women who benefited from NORSAAC’s economic opportunities. This encapsulates the essence of “Give to Gain”, a single investment that creates a ripple effect, uplifting families and communities.
Strengthening Skills, Strengthening Futures
Beyond financial support, NORSAAC equips women with essential skills in entrepreneurship, financial management, and customer relations.
Doris Badieye, one of the beneficiaries of business training through the Strengthening Resilience against violence extremism (STRIVE) project, shares her experience:
“I didn’t know whether I was making a profit or a loss. Now, I maintain proper records and can track my business progress.”
Similarly, women trained in peacebuilding and conflict resolution are emerging as leaders in fostering social cohesion. Margaret Tabele, another beneficiary of the STRIVE project, shares her experience:
“Recently, I was invited by community leaders to assist in resolving a dispute between a couple. The training on conflict mediation has instilled in me the confidence to contribute to peacebuilding efforts in my community.”
These narratives bring to bare the profound impact of investing in women, not only on individual households but also on entire communities.
Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders
NORSAAC’s initiatives extend beyond the present generation of women to the leaders of tomorrow. Through its Youth Initiative Small Grants programme, Norsaac has supported women’s groups such as the Girls’ Advisory Council, Young Urban Women Movements, and the Sawla Model Girls Alumni by providing both financial assistance and mentorship. Beyond grants, these groups have been equipped with the skills to develop strong proposals and produce quality reports, strengthening their organizational capacity. The initiative has also empowered young women to actively participate in decision-making processes; notably, the Young Urban Women Movement (YUWM) championed inclusion efforts that led to a young woman being sworn in as a queen mother in the Sirigu community in the Upper East Region, while also advocating for the review of bylaws to eliminate harmful widowhood practices. Overall, the experience gained through the programme has helped these groups build stronger systems and positioned them to access further funding opportunities.
Photo from the Youth Initiative Small Grants award ceremony, featuring members of the Young Urban Women Movement and the Girls’ Advisory Council.
Additionally the Young Female Platform (YFP) and the Student-Led SDGs Competition, girls are gaining the confidence, skills, and platforms to drive positive change.
For many, this is their first opportunity to transform ideas into tangible actions.
At Ghana Secondary School, Osman Muslima Malgu and her 10 member team spearheaded an environmental project aimed at combating deforestation. Their initiative transcended mere tree planting; they established a whole school system to nurture and sustain the trees.
“This competition demonstrated to me that young people, particularly girls, possess the capability to devise effective solutions to significant challenges such as climate change.”
Their work is already transforming their school environment, inspiring peers, teachers, and the broader community.
Figure 2 Team Ghanasco with their Matron discussing how to nurture the trees
Creating Safe Spaces for Girls to Thrive
Across communities, NORSAAC’s safe space models are quietly making a difference in people’s lives.
For 16-year-old Munira, participating in these programs marked a pivotal moment:
“I used to believe that girls were not allowed to speak when elders were present. Now, I understand that my voice holds significance.”
Through mentorship, life skills training, and peer support, over 14,643 girls are building self-assurance and redefining their roles in society.
Complementing this approach is the gender household model, which promotes shared decision-making and fosters more equitable relationships within families. This ensures that empowerment is supported in both public and private spheres.
Advancing Health, Dignity, and Protection
NORSAAC continues to lead the nation in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), ensuring women and girls have access to accurate information and essential services.
In response to ongoing concerns about gender-based violence, the organization advocates for stronger protection systems. By collaborating with partners to secure improved resourcing, such as support for the Domestic Violence Fund, NORSAAC is helping survivors receive the necessary care and support.
A Call to Action: Our Actions Today, Impact Tomorrow
The theme “Give to Gain” emphasises the importance of intentional investment in progress.
NORSAAC’s work in Ghana demonstrates the profound and far-reaching returns of investing in girls’ education, supporting women’s economic empowerment, promoting gender equality, and creating safe and inclusive spaces.
As we approach the end of the International Women’s Day 2026 and Women’s Month, the message remains clear: When we empower women and girls, we all benefit.
The decisions we make today, individually and collectively, will shape the future we build tomorrow.