Vlisco Ghana begins second edition of women’s mentoring programme
Vlisco Ghana has announced the second edition of its Women’s Mentoring Programme; designed to empower and support female entrepreneurs across the country.
The event was launched at the World Trade Centre, Accra and coincided with the International Women’s Day celebrations and Vlisco Women’s Month, which brought together approximately 150 young women and other special guests to share inspiring stories and experiences of experts and past Vlisco Ambassadors.
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The Vlisco Women’s Mentoring Programme was launched in 2019 to impact the lives of young Ghanaian women through guidance from experienced mentors on developing key skills in a variety of relevant areas. It also seeks to inspire and celebrate Ghanaian women while championing their role in society.
Speaking at the event, Vlisco Marketing Director Mr Stephen Badu elaborated on the company’s mission to impact the lives of young Ghanaian women indicating that: “2019 was a very exciting year as we launched the first Women’s Mentoring Programme, and we had immense success and feedback from both the Ambassadors and their respective mentees. Our aim with the second edition is to extend this opportunity to more young women in Ghana who can be supported through the journey of achieving their goals via insights from women who have walked the path beforethem.”
Besides, he said recognizing the effort of these young women and supporting them is the Vlisco's way of fostering their growth and encouraging and empowering them to realise their full potential.
Citing examples of some of the work Ambassadors have engaged in such as Legacy Girls, an all-girls Senior High School Co-Founded by Mrs Ellen Hagan (Vlisco Ambassador, 2013), The Young Educators Foundation & Spelling Bee by Eugenia Tachie-Menson (Vlisco Ambassador, 2014), The Girl's Education Initiative of Ghana by Elizabeth Patterson (Vlisco Ambassador, 2015), Tech Needs Girls by Regina Honu (Vlisco Ambassador, 2016) and LittleBigSouls, a charity for premature babies Co-Founded by Edith Uyovbukerhi (Vlisco Ambassador, current), Mr Badu reiterated that their contributions can never be underestimated in the growth of the local economy.
The new mentees selected to participate in the 2020 edition of the Mentoring Programme will each be paired with a former Ambassador to begin an active mentor-mentee relationship.
During the year-long mentoring programme, mentees will have the opportunity to tap into the experiences of their mentors while receiving guidance to achieve their professional and career development goals.
Commenting on the success of the first edition of the programme, current ambassador Edith Uyovbukerhi noted, “It has been an incredible honour to have the opportunity to share my life and journey with my mentee, but it’s been a bigger privilege to be a part of her life and to impart into it. I have learnt from her and it has been a refreshing experience to watch her bloom so beautifully. I look forward to continuing this great experience with my new mentee.”
She said fellow ambassadors have dedicated and made a special commitment towards nurturing and promoting talented women to strengthen their personal and professional development.
The first half of the day-long event featured two specialist mentoring sessions by Dzigbordi Dosoo, businesswoman and co-creator of skincare brand Kanshi and Freda Obeng- Ampofo, founder of KAEME BodyCare. The sessions covered key topics including gender balance and nurturing business relationships which provided an interactive learning experience followed by a question and answer session with the young women in attendance.
The second half of the program hosted by TV presenter and classical singer, Kokui Selormey entailed an engaging panel session featuring the former Vlisco ambassadors and their 2019 mentees where they shared their positive experiences from the first program.
During the 2020 Women’s month, Vlisco celebrated the power and unity of sisterhood. With the campaign motto ‘All women, all united’, Vlisco honoured its ambassadors who work hard to motivate and empower other women.
The new campaign features four inspiring women and their powerful work to improve women's lives in Togo, Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ivory Coast. These women walked the extra mile to motivate and embolden other women to build a healthier, joyous and prosperous society. The motto is also included in a strong and bright embellishment of two exclusive Wax Hollandais and Super-Wax designs.
In that regard, the works of these women will be highlighted in Togo, Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Ivory Coast, and to a global audience online while billboards, TV commercials, video portraits and events will be dedicated to women who are making a difference.
A burgeoning fashion designer was presented with a cheque of ₵30,000 from The Vlisco Fashion Fund while Strands of Pearls International received a donation of €5000 to support their effort in empowering women.
Three Ghanaian fashion designers showcased their latest collections interspersed with entertainment from musician Ekow Saxx, comedian Jacinta Asi Ocansey and band Afro Maestro.
The Women’s Month ‘All women, all united’ Vlisco Wax prints will be available exclusively at Vlisco stores.