This blog was written by Megan Sylka, Senior Program Officer at VWB/VSF, reflecting on a trip taken to Ghana in November 2024 to strengthen partnerships and advance implementation of our Volunteers Engaged in Gender-Responsive Technical Solutions (VETS) program.
I recently visited Adidome, in Ghana’s Volta region, to witness firsthand the transformative efforts of our VETS partner, WIPVaC-Apex (Apex Body of Women in the Poultry Value Chain). Headquartered in Accra with chapters throughout the country, WIPVaC-Apex is dedicated to improving the lives of women poultry farmers. Their work in the Volta region offers a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, empowerment, and community-driven solutions.
PHOTO: Megan (third from left) meets with the WIPVaC-Apex Volta and AWARFA-N chapter leaders, including Dr. Victoria Norgbey, President, WIPVaC-Apex (far right).
A Cultural Festival and a Call to Empowerment
My time in Adidome coincided with the annual Hogbetsotso Festival, a vibrant, week-long cultural celebration that included a special Women’s Day event. This timing allowed us to join the community for a gathering organized by WIPVaC-Apex and its remarkable local partners: GLOWDEP (Global Women’s Development Promoters), AWARFA-N (African Women in Animal Resources Farming and Agribusiness Network), and Peace Pulse Network Ghana.]
Bringing together more than 200 attendees at GLOWDEP’s office, the event focused on women’s empowerment through peace, good health, and sustainable growth. It was inspiring to see so many women learning, sharing their experiences, and uplifting one another. Equally heartening was the presence of several men who attended and demonstrated their commitment to supporting women’s rights and opportunities.
PHOTO: Megan (far right) poses with Adidome high school students who performed a traditional dance at the Volta region Women's Day celebration, as well as WIPVaC-Apex staff.
A Day of Health and Learning
The event included a series of training sessions designed to equip women with the knowledge and resources they need to improve their well-being and livelihoods. Topics ranged from mental health and self-care to dental hygiene, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and the One Health approach. This diverse range of sessions reflected the holistic support that WIPVaC-Apex and its partners offer women in agriculture and beyond.
Health was a key focal point of the day, with local doctors, nurses, and dentists providing trainings, free health screenings, and dental check-ups. The emphasis on mental health—so often an overlooked subject—was especially meaningful. Women were encouraged to take time for self-care, recognize their mental health needs, and seek the support they deserve.
One Health and Women’s Economic Empowerment
I had the honor of speaking alongside Dr. Victoria Norgbey, the National President of WIPVaC-Apex, to highlight the work of VWB and our partnership with WIPVaC-Apex through the VETS program and to discuss the positive impact our volunteers have had on implementing One Health initiatives. We also introduced long-time VETS volunteer, Dr. Geoffrey Akabua, who has been working closely with WIPVaC-Apex for the past year.
Dr. Akabua, a veterinarian deeply committed to promoting the One Health approach—which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health—led a session that was incredibly valuable for the women of the Volta region, many of whom are farmers. By understanding how human health, livestock, crops, and the environment are all linked, they can adopt better farming practices, increase productivity, and strengthen their economic stability.
PHOTO: Dr. Geoffrey Akabua (center) is a long-time, repeat VETS program volunteer and technical advisor, supporting both VETS partners in Ghana, GAPNET and WIPVaC-Apex, since 2020.
A Community of Empowered Women
In addition to the training sessions, the event showcased local women’s entrepreneurship. Women from WIPVaC-Apex and other organizations proudly exhibited their products, including eggs and fresh crops. This display of goods highlighted their skills, successes, and independence in running their own businesses. Economic empowerment was clearly at the heart of the event, as these women celebrated their achievements and inspired each other to continue growing and thriving.
One of the most memorable moments was seeing Dr. Victoria Norgbey in action. Not only is she a very busy poultry farmer and the National Director of WIPVaC-Apex, she was also one of the founding members of GLOWDEP back in 2005 and still serves on their board. Dr. Norgbey’s leadership, passion, and commitment to gender equality have been instrumental in building a network where women support one another. As the national president of WIPVaC-Apex, she continues to drive forward the organization’s mission to empower women through education, sustainable farming practices, and economic development.
PHOTO: Megan visiting the GAPNET office in Ghana
PHOTO: WIPVaC-Apex eggs for sale at the Women's Day event
PHOTO: Dr. Victoria Norgbey, President, WIPVaC-Apex
Building a Stronger Future Together
It was deeply inspiring to witness the work of WIPVaC-Apex and its partners up close. The event in Adidome was vibrant, uplifting, and empowering, perfectly illustrating how women can flourish when provided with the right tools, knowledge, and encouragement. WIPVaC-Apex’s role in the Volta region—and indeed across Ghana—is vital for helping women poultry farmers find their voices, strengthen their businesses, and improve their overall quality of life.
This celebration in Adidome is just one of many examples of the important and impactful changes WIPVaC-Apex and its partner organizations are bringing about. By continuing to empower women through education, health, and entrepreneurship, they are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more sustainable future for the next generation of women farmers in Ghana. It was a privilege to witness their hard work in action and to be part of this incredible celebration of women’s empowerment, peace, and health.
VETS is an 8-year initiative (2020-2028) to improve the economic and social well-being of marginalized people, particularly women and girls, in 6 countries across Africa and Asia. In collaboration with local partners, the program is implemented through 190 Canadian volunteers on international assignment and is generously funded by Global Affairs Canada. Learn more.
