By Elizabeth PUNSU
The Fabulous Woman Network (FWN), a dynamic initiative dedicated to empowering women and youth, is celebrating a decade of transformative impact in leadership, entrepreneurship and community development.
Founded in 2015 by Ama Duncan, FWN began as a personal storytelling project inspired by a desire to share the stories of inspiring women – including her mother, friends and even strangers encountered on Facebook.
What started as a modest initiative has since evolved into a vibrant platform that has equipped thousands of women and young people with tools to thrive.
Through flagship programmes such as the annual International Fabulous Women Conference (iFAB), the network has inspired and trained women across the Ashanti Region and beyond.
Speaking at a Fundraising Dinner and Gala to mark the climax of its 10th-anniversary celebrations, Ama Duncan reaffirmed FWN’s mission to build the capacity of women, youth and organisations while nurturing flourishing futures through leadership and entrepreneurship.
Reflecting on the network’s impact over the past decade, Ms. Duncan noted that FWN has amplified the stories of over 400 women online.
More than 8,000 women have received training in leadership and entrepreneurship, while 400 youth from underserved communities have benefitted from mentorship and skills training – with 10 of them now employed at FabHub, FWN’s enterprise support space.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, FWN has also constructed a community health centre for residents of Aboabo Kesse near Kumasi.
Ms. Duncan further highlighted that over 20 women have been supported to access funding for their businesses, while more than 5,000 women have connected through the wider Fabulous Woman community.
A key highlight of the gala was the Fab Women of Influence Awards, which honoured 10 remarkable women for their contributions to community development, leadership and purpose.
The awardees included: Prof. Victoria Pearl Dzogbefia, Theodocia Jackson, Nana Abenaa Akuamoa-Boateng, Cecilia Oteng-Amoako, Hon. Elizabeth Agyemang, Kate Laryea and Mercy Ampofo. Others recognised were Very Rev. Dr Esi Oduro Asante, Nana Yaa Asantewaa II and Janet Gyimah Kessie.
The event also featured The Fabulous Woman Book Vol. 1: Wawa Aba launch – a compelling collection of real-life stories about women who have overcome adversity with grace and resilience.
Looking ahead, Ms. Duncan unveilled FWN’s Vision 2030: establishment of the Fab Village Model. This ambitious initiative aims to impact over one million women and girls across Africa through safe empowerment spaces, mentorship, entrepreneurship and storytelling.
Impact stories
Among those whose lives have been transformed through FWN is Emmanuella Acheampong, a 2018 participant of the Fab Entrepreneurs Programme.
“We were trained in using fabrics to make jewellery and accessories. Ama Duncan once asked me to create some pieces for her trip to South Africa. When she returned, she paid me in dollars – my first ever. Today, I have multiple bank accounts including a dollar account and I run a successful business. My capital has grown from 20 percent to 200 percent, thanks to FWN,” she shared.
Naana Addotey, a participant of fabCEO Mastermind – a programme tailored for professional women looking to launch and grow their businesses – also spoke of her experience.
“In the fabCEO Mastermind and FWN, you’re surrounded by women who push and encourage you. We celebrate each other’s wins and that keeps you going,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, Coach Taaka Awori urged participants to continue investing in women and harness the power of collaboration to drive inclusive development.
