First Lady charges queen mothers to champion gender equality

The First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has urged queen mothers to assume the mantle of advocates for gender equality. She made the call during a gathering to celebrate the Homowo season with Ga Queen Mothers, focusing on critical issues concerning the well-being of women and girls.

Mrs. Akufo-Addo highlighted the significance of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development’s continental campaign, titled “WeAreEqual”. This campaign brings together African First Ladies, partners, and allies in a united effort to propel gender equity and narrow the gender divide across the African continent.

She underscored the importance of their influence and voices in dismantling barriers that hinder the progress of women and girls. She encouraged the queenmothers to champion the causes of health, education, and financial independence for females, thereby propelling social and economic advancement and fostering a world characterized by equality and fairness.

“Join the #WeAreEqual campaign and lend your voice to this movement. Utilise your platforms to raise awareness about the transformative power of gender equity and implore our leaders to take actionable steps,” she appealed. She added that collective action could manifest a future where gender equity is not just an aspiration but a concrete reality for all.

Commendation

Similarly, the Second Lady Samira Bawumia praised the queen mothers for their pivotal contributions to their communities and encouraged them to continue inspiring women and girls.

Additionally, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, took the opportunity to brief the queen mothers about her Ministry’s strategies aimed at bridging the gender gap and aligning with the Sustainable Development Agenda.

Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs, expressed gratitude to Mrs Akufo-Addo for her exceptional efforts in advancing gender equality, peace, and stability in the nation. He affirmed his Ministry’s unwavering support for all queenmothers and called on them to promote unity and harmony within their respective communities.

The spokesperson for the queen mothers, Manye Amponsah Dokua III, conveyed gratitude to the First Lady for her consistent advocacy on behalf of Ghanaian women and children. She pledged the full support of her members for the gender equality campaign.