Gender inequality is a significant driver of global poverty rates, denying women and girls of their inherent, God-given dignity. In many cultures, women face barriers—even in their own homes—that limit their opportunities to learn and support themselves and their families. At least 60 percent of individuals living with chronic, extreme hunger are women and girls. In countries impacted by fragility, conflict, and violence, girls are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys. Women make up more than two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population.  

Empowering women to earn an income and support their families helps close these and other gender gaps. Education and employment lead to widespread benefits, including improved child nutrition, better health, and opportunities like small business ownership.

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is working in partnership with local Nazarene churches in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Ghana to support the empowerment and dignity of women and girls. Through projects that open doors to education alongside vocational training and job placement assistance, women and their families are finding hope for a better and more secure future. 

When you give to the 2024 NCM Christmas Project, you will help unlock the skills and resources women need to transform lives and communities.

Read on for Gifty's story of life change.

In Ghana, several Nazarene congregations and leaders from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries have developed a vocational training institute for women. The institute’s courses have had a profound effect on students like Gifty, a young woman who has seen her life change as a result.

“My life has changed from negative to positive,” she proclaims. “I have learned that whatever your situation is, you can do something to change it.”

Gifty’s father died when she was young, setting her and her many siblings on a course lined with obstacles.

“We suffered a lot during this time,” she says. “Many things were not good, but most of all, getting food was very difficult. It was also difficult to pull myself through school—there was no money.”

In Ghana, even public schools come with fees. There was no way for Gifty’s mother to manage the expenses for all her children.

A Nazarene pastor, Rev. Frank, heard about their difficulties and offered to pay for school for Gifty. However, a variety of factors prevented her from graduating. Looking for a better fit, he helped her enroll in the women’s vocational skill courses, and Gifty soon realized she was in the right place.

“I am happy to have been introduced to this opportunity,” she shares. “I didn’t imagine that I could learn so many things at one go!”

Gifty learned to make soap, fabric softener, shower gels, and various baked goods. Courses in financial management rounded out her studies, and soon, the institute’s leaders decided Gifty’s talents could make a real difference for the other students. Now, Gifty is a coordinator for one of the institute’s locations and helps to teach at another.

“I am very happy that I am able to give back to the community by offering my help as a thank-you for all that I have received,” she says. “I used to look down on myself, but now I am proud. I can do various things to help myself and other people in my community.”

Gifty’s younger siblings hope they can enroll soon and follow in her footsteps. Gifty has the same hopes for her family, and as the oldest, she is taking her role seriously.

“I hope that my siblings do not go through the difficulties that I went through in life. That is why I am working hard to support my mother so she can provide a better future for them,” she shares.

From vocational skills to business training and financial management advice, the institute has opened new doors for Gifty and developed her growing leadership skills. Now she’s saving money to open a business that sells soap, and has no doubt about the ripple effects that radiate out from the institute.

“All this will benefit the community,” Gifty says. “When we are able to contribute to the society positively, our community benefits.”

Gifty’s dream of running a big business is only just beginning, but for now, she has all the building blocks necessary to improve her economic outlook and that of her family’s, one container of soap at a time.