Women in Dzodze in the Volta Region have received training in soap and cosmetics production following a three-day workshop organised by Youth Path Organisation (YPO).

The workshop, themed Empowering Women: Transforming Lives through Cosmetics and Soap Making, trained women in the Dzodze community in the production of black soap, cake soap, shampoo, shower gel, liquid soap, and other cosmetic products.

The programme, sponsored by Gemeente Hove, took place from February 5 to February 7, 2026.

Speaking to the media, a council member of Youth Path Organisation, Charles Nii Odotei Odoi, explained the rationale behind the initiative.

“We are here to teach women how to make organic soap, creams, shampoo, and other products to enable them to earn a source of income. We didn’t just come here on our own; we made sure to conduct a needs assessment of the people of Dzodze. Through the needs assessment, we found out that this is a large community heavily involved in trading,” he said.

He further explained YPO’s decision to focus primarily on women during the workshop.

According to him, the organisation’s focus on women is intended to help address the high rate of teenage pregnancy, adding that the training in cosmetic making would provide employment for the unemployed youth in the community.

“We know teenage pregnancy is causing harm to the nation. The reason we are mainly focusing on these young ladies is that equipping them with these skills and helping them earn an income will help reduce unwanted pregnancies,” he added.

Some of the participants who took part in the soap and cosmetics training also expressed their appreciation to YPO for the initiative.

According to a participant the workshop has been impactful, and she is willing to use the skills acquired to earn a living.

“I have learnt a lot, especially how to make soap for washing and bathing. We also learnt how to make shampoo. We are grateful to YPO for the workshop because they have spent time with us and thought about how we can learn these skills to support our families financially,” one of the participant said.

Torgbui Gordor III, one of the chiefs in Dzodze, also speaking to the media, described the initiative as timely.

“This initiative or programme is a good call. It is in the right direction because, as custodians of the land, one of the challenges we face is that our youth and community members frequently call upon us to help them find jobs.

“As this programme is being implemented by this organisation, we truly appreciate it because it eases the burden on us. I believe it is a good initiative that our youth must take advantage of,” he said.