CAMFED Ghana

CAMFED Ghana launched in 1998 in the Northern Region, and by 2020 was operating in 12 regions and 38 districts. In the communities where we work, chronic poverty excludes many girls from education, with only 22% of children in poor rural households enrolling in secondary school. Persistent poverty pushes vulnerable girls into unsafe work or child marriage.

To support themselves and their family’s basic needs, large numbers of girl’s head to urban areas to work as
street porters, referred to as kayayo, at city markets, making them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. With
few economic prospects open to them in their villages, young women face pressure to marry early in order to
reduce the financial burdens on their families.

Over 26% of girls nationwide are married before their 18th birthday, and in the northern parts of Ghana, rates can be as high as 40%. As early marriage limits girls’ skills, resources, knowledge, social support, mobility, and autonomy, they often have little power in relation to their husband, putting them at greater risk of domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and early pregnancy. For married girls and young mothers, this only entrenches the cycle
of poverty as educated women/girls lack the resources and support to enter secure employment.

On the other hand, women who have been able to attain a secondary school level of education or higher marry and have children later compared to women with only primary school education.

“In Ghana, there is a big gap between urban and rural, rich and poor. And while marginalized girls in poor rural communities are the first to be excluded, our future hinges on their successes. We welcome the government prioritizing girls’ education, and are working with communities, schools and government authorities to build networks and relationships around the most vulnerable girls and young women– so that they get the targeted support they need to access school, learn, thrive and then lead the way for others.
Our unique “power house” are the members the CAMFED Association – our network of women leaders educated with CAMFED support. Initially excluded from education, they are now at the critical point in the journey of humanity where they are standing up for their local communities. As mentors, Learner Guides, Rural Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists, they are the role models girls need to see and create a different future for themselves and for Ghana.”

Mission

CAMFED envisions a world in which every child is educated, protected, respected and valued, and grows up
to turn the tide of poverty.

As the most effective strategy to tackle poverty and inequality, CAMFED multiplies educational opportunities
for girls and empowers young women to become leaders of change. Our focus is on girls and young women in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. This is where girls face acute disadvantage and where their empowerment will have a transformative impact.

Special Focus on Women

Through the Association of young women educated with CAMFED’s support, we multiply the number of girls in
school, and accelerate their transition to livelihoods and leadership.

CAMFED envisions a world in which every child is educated, protected, respected and valued, and grows up
to turn the tide of poverty. As the most effective strategy to tackle poverty and inequality, CAMFED multiplies
educational opportunities for girls and empowers young women to become leaders of change with a focus on girls and young women in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. This is where girls face acute disadvantage and where their empowerment will have a transformative impact.

List of Sectors Covered

Education
Financial Services
Agriculture
List of Services

CAMFED is made up of three interworking and interdependent parts. Through the synergy of these three parts, CAMFED is able to deliver a resilient, highly efficient and ultimately sustainable program that truly serves the needs of our clients, and multiplies the impact of donor investment:

The CAMFED Association

The network of women leaders founded by former CAMFED clients, who organize and act on behalf of girls and young women

CAMFED Champions

Members of the communities we work with who actively champion and support the advancement of girls and young women

CAMFED Operations

The fundamental operations of CAMFED, including program design, support systems, partnerships and governance

Contact person for Women Entrepreneurs
Sally Ofori-Yeboah
National Director
+233 (0)30 254 4224/5