The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has conferred the 2023 Woman Icon Award on Mrs Janet Abobigu, CEO of Uni-Jay Co. Ltd, in recognition of her contribution to fashion, social care and mentorship.
Uni-Jay is known for its focus on uniforms, specialized clothing, and bespoke women's apparel, having trained thousands of people in the fashion industry over the years.
According to Dr Mrs Afua Asabea Asare, the CEO of GEPA, Mrs Abobigu's commitment to empowering women and girls is unwavering, and she has championed initiatives that enable women to participate fully in the socio-economic life of the Ashanti Region.
She is also a beacon of hope and inspiration, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Dr Asare made these comments at the opening of a three-day Women Icons Regional Exhibition in Kumasi.
The exhibition aims to provide a platform for “iconic women” to promote their businesses, especially in non-traditional exports such as fashion, cosmetics, groceries, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, grooming, technology, and services.
Dr Asare commended women-led businesses for contributing to the production and filling a yawning gap within the local economy.
Mr Simon Osei-Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, said that GEPA's mandate to develop and promote non-traditional exports was coterminous with the government's policy on an aggressive export drive with reference to women empowerment. He lauded GEPA for putting a spotlight on women for growth.
In her speech, Mrs Abobigu urged businesses to stay focused, work passionately, and contribute to economic sustainability. She expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised the efforts of GEPA in empowering women in the Ashanti Region.
The exhibition will expose women to value addition in non-traditional products for local and international markets, explore foreign markets for the products through social media, and generate websites for producers to leverage on international markets and break boundaries.