The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), in collaboration with the gender teams of TechnoServe and Agri-Impact Ltd., has successfully organized a two-day training on Foundations of Gender Inclusivity and Safeguarding Measures for participants of the High-Value Horticulture for Youth and Women (HAPPY) Program.
Held on 14 July 2026 in Torgome and 15 July 2026 in Kasunya, the training brought together 150 youth farmers, comprising 80 women and 70 men, from various value chains under the HAPPY Program. The initiative forms part of MiDA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that agricultural development is inclusive, equitable, and conducted within safe and respectful environments.
The training sought to deepen participants’ understanding of gender equality, social inclusion, and safeguarding while equipping them with practical knowledge and skills to promote dignity, respect, and equal opportunities in their workplaces, farms, and communities. Participants explored the importance of creating environments where individuals of all gender identities are valued, protected, and empowered to contribute meaningfully without fear of discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or abuse.
The sessions also highlighted the underlying social and cultural factors that contribute to gender inequality and exclusion, encouraging participants to challenge harmful norms and adopt practices that promote fairness and equal participation. Discussions focused on safeguarding as a shared responsibility, emphasizing the need for participants to recognize inappropriate behaviour, respect personal boundaries, protect vulnerable individuals, and confidently report concerns whenever necessary.
Facilitators from MiDA, TechnoServe, and Agri-Impact Ltd. guided participants through practical exercises and interactive discussions designed to strengthen their understanding of safeguarding principles and their application across the HAPPY Program’s agricultural value chains.
Speaking during the training, Ama Gyan, Gender, Youth, Safeguarding and Social Inclusion Manager at Agri-Impact Ltd., underscored the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for all participants.
She noted that while the HAPPY Program aims to create sustainable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, it is equally committed to ensuring that women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups can participate in an environment free from discrimination, exploitation, harassment, and abuse.
Ms. Gyan emphasized that gender equality is not about favouring one group over another but about ensuring equal access to opportunities, resources, training, finance, markets, and leadership. She explained that when women and men are empowered equally, households become more resilient, businesses become more productive, and communities become more prosperous.
She further reminded participants that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and encouraged them to become ambassadors of respect, dignity, and inclusion by applying the knowledge gained during the training in their homes, farms, workplaces, and communities.
The training reflects MiDA’s broader commitment to integrating gender equality and safeguarding into all aspects of the HAPPY Program. By building participants’ awareness and capacity, the Authority seeks to create agricultural enterprises where every individual feels safe, respected, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Through initiatives such as this, MiDA continues to strengthen the social foundations of the HAPPY Program, ensuring that agricultural transformation goes hand in hand with inclusion, protection, and equal opportunity for all.
