By: Tilda Acorlor
Women in Asogli State have been encouraged to empower, network, and support each other for the development of their communities.
This encouragement was given at the Asogli Women’s Day Celebration Seminar held at the Trafalgar campus of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho.
The celebration was on the theme “Count Her In; Investing in Today’s Woman for Development” and organized by the queens of Asogli State.
The Vice Chancellor of UHAS Professor Lydia Aziato highlighted the University’s commitment to partnering with Asogli State.
She emphasized the need for women to come together to advocate for what they want despite their small numbers at the helm of affairs.
Professor Aziato was optimistic that women can make their voices heard at any level. She said, “Women should make conscious and strategic efforts to make their voices heard within the cultural and national setting or wherever we find ourselves.”
She envisioned an International Women’s Conference led by Women in Asogli State where women can deliberate on issues affecting them, and young women can learn from older ones and role models.
She also expressed the need for a session to train future female leaders.
“I am looking forward for years ahead for the Women’s Day to be a Conference where Queen Mothers present what they have been able to do, (your community interventions project) so that other queens can learn, young ones can identify potential future queens, and learn from you,” she said.
“So I am looking forward for a women’s conference led by Asogli State in that conference is an invitation for queens from other traditional areas, locally and internationally” She added.
The Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Simone Giger, commended the Asogli State for dedicating a day to celebrate the “strong and resilient” women of Asogli, highlighting their critical role in agriculture, family, and community development.
“I am truly impressed by the organization of this event and would like to commend everyone involved, particularly the Asogli Yam Festival planning committee, for dedicating a day to Ghana’s strong and resilient women.” She said.
“Women have long been the backbone of agriculture in Ghana, including in yam cultivation. Women’s efforts in developing agriculture and beyond have played a key role in protecting families, strengthening communities, and building societies.” She added.
She expressed joy about the event and encouraged women to embrace the celebration and make full use of platforms such as this to tell their stories.
“I urge every woman here today to embrace this celebration and to make full use of platforms like this to tell your stories. It is no longer time to be modest—this is your time to shine,” she said.
The Paramount Queen Mother of the Asogli State, Mamaga Akua Dei II, the host, expressed her excitement at seeing young women gathered, yearning to be empowered.
A seasoned legal practitioner, Esinam Kporku enlightened young women on the rights and roles of women in society, emphasising the Affirmative Action Act recently passed in parliament.
The Lawyer emphasised the importance of empowering women and the equal footing provided by the law, citing the Affirmative Action Act.
“The Affirmative Action Act was passed recently that now gives the equal footing with men, the law actually provides that in the facet of public service, care should be taken to ensure that quota is equal,” she said.
“What it means is that by the time you are out of school and getting into the working environment the law will have been established that if there are 50 men in the workplace, 50 women ought to be there”
“ It means that as young women we need to empower ourselves, we need to show that we are competent so that when we go to the workplace we are rubbing shoulders with the men about what they can do we can also do even better” she added.
MAMA BOBI III, Queen of Bake Clan, Ho-Bankoe, expressed her excitement about the success of the event and the impact it had on the lives of young women especially students in the Asogli State.
She added that with the right mindset, one can achieve anything.
The event was attended by the President of the Unity Queens Association, Naana Kabukour Dagojo Dumaaley I, Nana Akosua Addobea Mampong-Akuapem Guatoahema, Obaapa Nanahemaa Adjoa Awindor, Mamaga Akua Broni II, Paramount Queen of Taviefe Traditional Area.
Others include Togbi Ayim Adzokoto II, Paramount Chief of Takla Traditional Area, and other prominent women from various communities in the Asogli State, the Asogli Ladies Association, and students from second-cycle schools in Asogli.
Breakout sessions were held for students, where they engaged with queens, mothers, and resource persons to share experiences.
As a welcoming gesture, Her Excellency Simone Gigger was decorated with royal accessories and a sash.
At the sidelines of the seminar, a cooking competition featuring various yam dishes was organized for women from different divisions of Asogli State.
