About us
People, planet and empowerment
ASIGE (Advocacy for Social Inclusion and Girls’ Education) is a pioneering social enterprise committed to tackling two deeply interconnected global challenges: environmental sustainability and the economic empowerment of women and young people. With operations in both Ghana and Scotland (UK), ASIGE produces eco-friendly, handmade products including baskets, bags, and homewares using locally sourced elephant grass. These artisanal creations offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, helping to reduce environmental impact while creating dignified employment opportunities for women and youth in underserved communities in Ghana.
Founded in 2017, ASIGE operates as a "people and planet first" organisation and is proudly certified by the Social Enterprise World Forum, a guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO), and a recognised Scottish Fair Trade member. The enterprise is legally registered as a company limited by guarantee in both Ghana and Scotland, UK.
Our mission in action
What began with just 30 women in the Sumbrungu community has grown into a network of over 450 women and young people across six communities in Ghana’s upper east region. Beyond economic empowerment, ASIGE also leads impactful social interventions. These include providing reproductive health education to over 10,000 adolescents, producing and distributing more than 8,800 reusable sanitary pads, offering vocational skills training to 100 young people, and awarding university scholarships to five girls from rural communities.
ASIGE was born out of the founders academic research: first at the undergraduate level in Ghana, and later expanded into the UK as part of postgraduate work, with a mission to harness local resources to alleviate poverty, foster inclusion, and create lasting social impact. The flagship ASIGE baskets initiative officially launched in February 2017 with a seed grant of $500 from the Pollination Project (USA), marking the beginning of a journey rooted in grassroots innovation and global vision.
Partner organisations
We are grateful for the support of our partner organisations
