Intervention Programs and Women Empowerment: The Role of Skills Acquisition and Development and Financial Independence

Abstract

Purpose– This study aims to assess the impact of intervention programs on women empowerment in northern Ghanaandtherole ofskills training and financial independence on womenempowerment. Design/methodology/approach– A structured questionnaire, observations and informal interviews were used to gather data using the survey method. The sample consists of 321 girls from the non-formal track STAGEproject in the Kasena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region. The data were analyzed using a structural equation model. Findings– The results show that NGO intervention programs have a significant impact on women’s empowerment, skills acquisition mediates the relationship between NGO intervention programs and women empowerment. Financial independence does not mediate relationships but significantly affects women’sempowerment. Originality/value– The discussion on women’s empowerment is not without mentioning the support of NGOs intervention programs. However, there is inadequate literature to explore the basic impacts of sponsored intervention programs on women’s empowerment in Ghana. The findings will provide directions for NGOsinterventionprogramstosupport womenempowermentinGhana.