The intervention, dubbed “The SMART Woman Project,” is a structured, community-based digital inclusion initiative designed to equip women entrepreneurs with practical digital skills for business growth. The project was implemented by Yison Tech Hub with funding support from the Internet Society Foundation.

Ten communities including Nadowli, Serikpere, Charikpong, Kalsegra, Sombo, Goli, Sankana, Takpo, Kaleo, and Loho benefited from the initiative.

Speaking to the media, Madam Joan Mwinkaara, a beneficiary from Nadowli, said the training had enabled her to use social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp to market her business.

Madam Charit, a weaver from Sankana, said she had learned to create videos and take pictures of her weaving products and share them online to attract customers.

Agartha Ormuo, also a weaver, noted that the project had helped her acquire business record-keeping skills, enabling her to secure a loan from a financial institution to expand her operations.

Other beneficiaries reported notable improvements in their businesses. Ms Saala Vida indicated that she now manages a mobile money account for her enterprise, while Madam Niamatu Jackalia said she uses WhatsApp to showcase her dressmaking designs to clients.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Yison Tech Hub and its partners for the initiative, which has enhanced their businesses and livelihoods.

Serikpera Naa Issahaque, Executive Director of Yison Tech Hub, said the project aimed to build digital capacity among women in underserved communities to improve income generation and economic resilience.

He noted that the initiative attracted more than 1,000 applicants against a target of 200 beneficiaries, with over 80 per cent meeting the eligibility criteria.

Out of this number, 220 women were enrolled and successfully completed the training, exceeding both enrolment and completion targets within the allocated budget.

The training covered smartphone usage, mobile money operations, social media marketing, basic digital bookkeeping, and safe internet practices. It also focused on enhancing business visibility through platforms such as WhatsApp Business, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram for product promotion and customer engagement.

Mr. Issahaque said the project increased digital confidence, with 200 women (91 per cent) reporting improved comfort in using the internet and digital tools.

He added that 189 participants (86 per cent) recorded improved business performance, including increased sales, expanded marketing reach, and higher profits.

He expressed hope that the project would be extended to other communities to scale up its impact and further improve women's livelihoods in the region.