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Monday, August 11, 2025

“You possibly can name me Madame” – From Avenue Porter to Enterprise Proprietor


“I’m now by myself. I’m unbiased. You possibly can name me Madame.”

In a church in central Accra, over 30 ladies sat and listened to Amama Ibrahim converse at their commencement ceremony. Alternative’s Kayayei Commencement Challenge has come to its last convening—however for months, these ladies have come collectively to share their experiences, be taught new crafts and enterprise expertise, and discover their very own pathways to success.

Amama, a former graduate of this system, was glowing as she shared with the group what their futures may appear to be.

Amama, a former graduate of the program, Accra, Ghana, 2024
Amama, a former graduate of this system, Accra, Ghana, 2024

“I’m pleased with myself. I’m distinctive, and now you can name me Madame.”

Kayayei are head porters who carry heavy masses for retailers, typically hauling issues like meals, toiletries, and different gadgets. You possibly can see many of those ladies supporting enterprise house owners within the open-air markets throughout city. The career will be exhausting, and the small incomes they earn don’t typically pay for the necessities for his or her households. To assist make ends meet, they typically buy a few of the gadgets themselves to promote on busy streets and highways throughout the rush hour.

Many are moms who carry their kids with them whereas they work. They typically wrestle to seek out steady housing, resorting to makeshift shelters within the markets the place they work. Regardless of the various challenges, the lifetime of a kayayei is usually their solely choice.

However for girls like Amama, the coaching and help she’s acquired from Alternative have given her the abilities and sources essential to take management of her personal future.

Amama (center), with Opportunity International UK staff, Lydia Baffour Awuah on the right, and Nana Francois on the left, Accra, Ghana, 2024
Amama (middle), with Alternative Worldwide UK workers, Lydia Baffour Awuah on the suitable, and Nana Francois on the left, Accra, Ghana, 2024

“My life as a porter was very demanding. You need to combat to outlive day by day,” stated Amama, “This program was not simple, nevertheless it was definitely worth the wrestle to be the place I’m right now.”

In this system, Amama and different ladies take lessons that construct new expertise, like bookkeeping and gross sales—and obtain coaching for brand spanking new experience like making cleaning soap and baking. Alternative then gives them with startup kits and capital to assist them construct their very own companies.

The mixed trainings set up a sound footing for the following steps of their lives. Amama’s new expertise enabled her to develop her personal bathe gels and soaps—permitting her to chop by any industrial middlemen and develop her personal model.

“I used to hold for different individuals, and lots of attempt to purchase at costs that you simply can’t afford. We undergo many indignities as road porters,” Amama stated. “However now I could make cleaning soap and take management of my work.”

Amama’s little one now attends faculty day by day whereas she works her personal store. Amama and her little one are safe in understanding the place they relaxation her head at evening, an condo she may name her personal. And, with nice satisfaction, Amama shared that she has been capable of finding a house for her personal mom, whose lease she helps pay each month.

At this time, Amama rests simple understanding that her arduous work and dedication was supporting different ladies searching for to rework their lives. She has stepped into a task as chief and mentor in her group, coaching different ladies in this system to equip them with the identical expertise she acquired—paying it ahead for dozens of different ladies.

“Now, I’ve a roof over my head,” she stated. “I’ve my very own enterprise. I’ve management. You possibly can name me Madame.”



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