HEP which began as an operational research in three selected hubs in October 2002 is currently running as a full program in six major transport hubs in Ghana. The research phase was to determine whether the fusion of GSMF International long distance drivers HIV/AIDS campaign dubbed ‘Drive protected,’ with micro-entrepreneurship will result in enhanced economic standards of hawkers, hawkers taking control of their sexual choices and ultimately prevention of new HIV/AIDS infections. Under HEP beneficiaries are trained in group development, business management, marketing and credit management, as well as HIV/AIDS prevention and hopes to link them to a local bank for credit assistance.
To ensure the proper understanding of their enterprises, the program uses simple learner-centered participatory approaches to train the women. During training sessions, the participants are given HIV/AIDS education; learn group organization and group building dynamics (solidarity group formation), how to manage small businesses, processes of receiving and recovering credit, savings mobilization, leadership, self-worth and marketing.
During the research phase, which was supported with funds from Department for International Development [DFID], HEP trained a total of 190 hawkers in Accra, Koforidua, and Sunyani using different methods of monitoring. HEP has since expanded to four new communities including Tema and Aflao under DFID grant. The program is also reaching out to women in Techiman, Kumasi and Tamale with support from Boeing Company. HEP has so far had a tremendous positive impact on all beneficiaries.
The benefits can be grouped in the following areas;
- Improved sexual negotiation skills and ability
- Improved HIV/AIDS prevention capacity
- Improved social support for HIV prevention methods
- Improved Business management skills
- Improved social status and self-worth
- Better way of handling money
- Improved health and sexual lifestyle
HEP has proven that women can be responsible individuals who can play a major role in the fight against HIV/AIDS if empowered in other areas of their lives. If empowered, women can become assertive individuals who will help in the prevention of HIV/AIDS, bring harmony in many families and make women responsible individuals taking control over their lives. We therefore recommend that improving the capacity of women through improved business management skills, improved self-worth and HIV/AIDS education is an improved way of empowering individuals among vulnerable people especially women to fight the HIV/AIDS menace.
