The Association of Nigerian Women in Ghana (ANWIG) has launched a new initiative aimed at empowering struggling Nigerian women and girls in Ghana with essential lifelong skills.

At an event themed “The Taste of Fatherhood,” held on Sunday, 29 June 2025, in Accra, the association introduced the "Hands Project," which is designed to equip women and girls with valuable skills in catering, tailoring, hairdressing, barbering, soup making, and more. The event was organized to celebrate all Nigerian fathers and men based in Ghana.

In an interview with MyNigeria, ANWIG President Millitracy Nkem Mallet outlined the long-term goals of the empowerment project, emphasizing its focus on improving the lives of women and young girls.

She highlighted the union’s first empowerment outreach, conducted in May 2025 at All Saints Anglican Model Basic School in Adabraka, where students were educated on menstrual hygiene and emotional well-being in observance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

“We are focusing on our women and girls. Last month, during Menstrual Hygiene Month, we went to All Saints Anglican Model Basic School to talk to the girls. We shared sanitary pads with them, and we talked about hygiene and other things with them. So, we want to extend it to all the regions. That is our plan now and project,” she said.

Discussing the newly launched empowerment project, she explained that it aims to provide opportunities for vulnerable Nigerian women—both young and old—to learn invaluable skills that will help them become self-reliant and improve their living conditions.

On her part, General Secretary, Mrs. Omotola Ajeigbe, noted that the celebration was organized to recognize and appreciate fathers and men, whom she described as the “pillars” of the home, yet are often overlooked in comparison to the frequent celebrations dedicated to women.

“We had this gathering today to celebrate the men because we realized that most of the time, we make so much noise about Mother’s Day, and the men—who are the pillars in our homes—are rarely celebrated. So, we decided to use this opportunity to celebrate our men,” Omotola said.

Sharing more details about the initiative, Mrs. Ajeigbe explained that the project will begin with training women in hairdressing due to its practicality and the growing popularity of the craft.

She further revealed that the empowerment project also aims to bridge the gap between younger and older women.

“As part of this effort, the union has created a social media platform for women of all ages and is working to build lasting relationships through mutual support, with plans for joint participation in various events.”

In attendance were notable figures such as representatives from the Nigerian High Commission to Ghana; His Royal Majesty Eze (Dr.) Ambassador Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu (Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana); High Chief Calistus Elozieuwa; Alhaji Chief Fattau El Aziz, Chairman of the Yoruba Community Ghana Restructure Committee; and several other distinguished Nigerian dignitaries residing in Ghana.

Applauding the Hands Project, HRM Ihenetu encouraged the executive body of the Women's Association to improve grassroots participation in events of this nature.

"We expected to see many more women here, but we saw only a few. I think there should be more outreach, more evangelism, more engagement, and more town hall meetings, so that we will see a larger turnout next time. I want to say, God bless all of you. Whatever the reason you brought us here, and whatever purpose you want us to unveil, God will make it possible," he said.