Opportunities
We build women's skills, strengthen local enterprises and widen access to the resources that support long-term growth.
Women-led since 2010
Empowering women, strengthening communities.
We uplift rural women in Northern Ghana through cooperative development, enterprise support and community-led initiatives that build resilience and transform livelihoods.
Economic independence
Driving women's economic independence.
Our programmes give women access to markets, finance and infrastructure, raising incomes and putting business decisions in their hands.
Shea and sustainability
Building a sustainable future.
Through conservation and sustainable shea practices, we protect the parklands that thousands of women depend on while improving community livelihoods.
What we stand for
Women working together are stronger than any one alone.
DFWC began in 2010 when women's groups supported by Development Frontiers in East Gonja chose to unite. Today more than 3,000 women in 35 communities collect, process and sell shea and gari together, with the bargaining power, skills and voice that come from acting as one.
Read our storyCommunities thrive
Cooperative empowerment, training and support systems that improve household incomes and overall well-being.
Women to markets
We open doors to fair markets, new buyers, partners and sustainable value chains that strengthen economic resilience.
Why we exist
The real challenges rural women face.
Women do most of the work in Northern Ghana's shea economy, yet keep the smallest share of its value.
- Business knowledge is scarce.
- Middlemen take most of their income.
- Fair, profitable markets are out of reach.
- Quality processing tools and infrastructure are limited.
- Social and economic barriers keep them from opportunities.
From the shea tree to the market
Every step, in women's hands.
We support members at each stage of the shea value chain, so more of the value stays with the women who create it.
- Step 1
Collect
Women gather shea fruit from the parklands each season.
- Step 2
Sort and dry
Nuts are sorted, boiled and dried to protect quality.
- Step 3
Process
Kernels are crushed, roasted and kneaded into butter.
- Step 4
Store
Warehouses let groups hold stock until prices are fair.
- Step 5
Sell together
Groups sell collectively to buyers, at better prices.
What we do
Five programme areas, one goal.
Women's Economic Empowerment
We support women shea collectors, processors and traders to take part in local and international markets, improving their access to finance, markets and infrastructure to raise income and economic independence.
Learn more about Women's Economic EmpowermentShea Value Chain Development
Shea remains a critical livelihood for rural women. We improve sustainable production and processing techniques and strengthen market access for women-led cooperatives across Northern Ghana.
Learn more about Shea Value Chain DevelopmentGender Equality and Social Inclusion
We promote women's participation in decision-making and advocate for policies that protect the rights and economic opportunities of women and marginalised groups.
Learn more about Gender Equality and Social InclusionAdvocacy and Inclusive Development
With civil society networks and community leaders, we promote accountability, strengthen local governance and make sure development programmes respond to the needs of women and rural communities.
Learn more about Advocacy and Inclusive DevelopmentClimate and Environmental Sustainability
Through improved shea processing and conservation programmes, we promote practices that protect natural resources while improving community livelihoods.
Learn more about Climate and Environmental SustainabilitySupport a programme
Partners help us reach more communities. Tell us where you would like to make a difference.
Ways to get involvedOur impact in numbers
3,000+
Women members in cooperative groups
35
Communities with active women's groups
5
Districts across Northern Ghana
16
Years of women working together
Our projects
Change you can see and measure.
GESI-SHEAGender Equality and Social Inclusion in Shea
Promoting equal opportunities for women in the shea economy
Read the project
BUSACShea Women Traders' Access to Public Warehouses
Connecting rural women to better markets
Read the project
AVIDAction for Voice and Inclusive Development
Ensuring women take part in the decisions that affect their lives
Read the projectVoices from our communities
In their own words.
Group presidents from Kafaba, Kakoshie, Lamsa and Techipe describe what has changed since their groups joined the cooperative.
Through the financial literacy training and our VSLA group, I have learned how to save, plan, and invest in my shea processing activities. Today, I manage my finances with confidence and can support my family better than before.
The leadership and advocacy training has empowered many women in our community. We now speak up, take leadership roles, and actively participate in decisions that affect our development.
Through the program, we have learned climate-smart practices such as tree planting and protecting our shea trees. These efforts are helping us preserve our environment and secure a better future for our children.
DFWC has educated us on our rights, personal safety, and how to avoid harmful practices. Today, women in our community feel more confident, protected, and respected.
Shop the cooperative
Made by our members, naturally.
Every purchase goes straight back to the women who collect and process the shea.
- Shea butter
Shea Butter (Classic)
- Shea butter
Shea Butter Cream
- Soaps & body care
Shea Cosmetics Set
- Soaps & body care
African Black Soap (Alata Samina)
Free guide for partners
See how rural women multiply their income through our model.
A practical guide for partners, donors and CSR teams: the five-step method DFWC uses to grow women's skills, open markets and build leadership.
Stories of change
News from the communities.
From Individual Sellers to Powerful Cooperatives
For years, rural women across East Gonja worked hard yet earned very little. Maria Mumuni's journey shows what changes when women learn to save, plan and sell together.
When Women Find Their Voice
Community meetings were once dominated by men. After leadership and advocacy training, Sey Alima and women across Kakoshie are speaking up and shaping local decisions.
Protecting the Shea Trees That Sustain Communities
Shea trees are the backbone of rural economies in Northern Ghana. In Lamsa, Abubakari Gado and his neighbours are now protecting and replanting them.
Working with
Our trusted partners
Stand with the women of Northern Ghana.
Partner on a programme, sponsor a women's group, buy from the cooperative or support our work with a donation. Get in touch and we will find the right way together.