In a remarkable display of solidarity and dedication to women’s empowerment, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo hosted a special event on Tuesday to honor the revered Queen mothers from the Greater Accra Region, coinciding with the festive Homowo season. The event proved to be more than a celebration of tradition, as discussions centered around critical issues affecting the well-being of women and girls in the region and beyond.
The gathering served as a platform for the First Lady to spotlight a significant continental campaign, the #WeAreEqual initiative, which is orchestrated by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). Distinguished by its mission to bridge the gender gap and promote gender equity across the African continent, the campaign has rallied African First Ladies, partners, and allies together for a common cause.
Addressing the Queen mothers, Mrs. Akufo-Addo underlined the power of their influence and voices in shaping positive change. With deep-rooted respect for the Queen mothers’ roles as community leaders and nurturers, she called upon them to actively engage in and amplify the #WeAreEqual campaign. The campaign’s resonance lies in its potential to transform the lives of women and girls, breaking down barriers and fostering equal opportunities for all.
Mrs. Akufo-Addo expressed her gratitude towards those who graced the occasion, extending special thanks to Her Excellency The Second Lady, Hajia Samira Bawumia, and an array of dignitaries including Queen mothers, Ministers, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Members of Parliament, and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Their collective presence demonstrated a shared commitment to advancing the cause of gender equity in Ghana.
Homowo, a cherished festival among the Ga people, symbolizes the triumph over adversity and the abundance of the harvest season. The convergence of this meaningful celebration with the call for gender equality added depth and significance to the event, making it a call to action as well as a moment of cultural significance.
The Queen mothers, hailing from various communities across the Greater Accra Region, embraced the occasion with enthusiasm, pledging their support to the #WeAreEqual campaign. Their participation serves as a reminder of the critical role that traditional leadership can play in influencing societal change. As guardians of heritage and custodians of values, Queen mothers are uniquely positioned to foster progressive attitudes and practices within their communities.
In a time where advocacy for gender equity is more crucial than ever, the collective effort demonstrated by First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the Queen mothers, and the broader community leaders stands as a beacon of hope. The #WeAreEqual campaign has found formidable allies in these leaders, propelling the nation and the African continent closer to a future where opportunities, rights, and dignity are shared equally among all.
