The DARE Program Ghana, a national initiative promoting digital empowerment for rural women, has marked another milestone with the graduation of 200 young women and mothers from its latest digital training cohort in Gushegu.
The participants completed intensive sessions in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, communication, and leadership, emerging with practical skills to enhance their livelihoods and economic prospects.
Held in the Gushegu District of the Northern Region, the ceremony showcased the transformation of women who previously had limited or no digital experience. Through the program’s structured training, many now possess digital competencies that position them for both local and remote job opportunities.
The Digital Access to Rural Empowerment (DARE) initiative is implemented by GI-KACE Consult Ltd in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, UNESCO and the University of Ghana Business School. It targets rural women aged 15 to 35 and aims to close the digital divide by connecting participants to modern job pathways.
Expanding impact across rural Ghana
Gushegu is the third community to benefit from the program, following Somanya in the Yilo Krobo Municipality and Bekwai in the Ashanti Region. In these areas, digital exclusion has long slowed economic development and limited access to opportunities for young women.
With the addition of Gushegu’s cohort, more than 300 rural women have now been trained under the DARE Program Ghana. Beneficiaries from Somanya and Bekwai have already advanced into roles such as digital marketers, business aggregators and online micro-entrepreneurs.
The Gushegu training covered online business management, customer engagement, branding with artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. Participants were also introduced to emerging rural-friendly digital careers including digital marketing, virtual assistance, customer service and artisan digital branding.
Hands-on learning for real economic opportunities
A key feature of the program was the market activation exercise, where trainees worked directly with local businesses to test digital services, design marketing materials, and engage real customers. Facilitators say this component significantly boosted participants’ confidence and practical understanding.
Graduates expressed appreciation for the life-changing experience.
“Before DARE, I had never used a computer. Now I can design flyers, market products online and support small businesses,” one participant said.
Another added, “DARE gave me confidence, and now I know I can build something for myself.”
Strengthening digital inclusion
Project coordinator Mr Fredrick Yeboah praised the achievements of the Gushegu cohort, noting that their success demonstrates the potential of structured digital training backed by mentorship and strong partnerships.
He emphasised that as Ghana accelerates its digital transformation agenda, the DARE Program provides a practical model for inclusive development by equipping rural women with skills needed in a modern technology-driven economy.
