By Ruth Salome Fiagbe (Level 300 UniMAC-GIJ Student)
Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honour and appreciate the women who have nurtured, supported, and inspired us throughout our lives. But why do women receive such exceptional celebration on this day, while men do not seem to enjoy the same level of recognition on Father’s Day?
The answer lies in the significant and unique role that women play not only within the family unit, but also within society at large. Women are the cornerstone of society, whose contributions transcend singular spheres and affect all aspects of life.
This idea was eloquently expressed by Dr. James Kwegyir-Aggrey, a visionary Ghanaian educator and politician, who famously said, “The surest way to keep a people down is to educate the men and neglect the women. If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” He understood the immense potential that education held for women and advocated for their access and participation in various domains, such as religion and politics. His stance challenged the historical perceptions that marginalized women in educational pursuits and paved the way for their substantial contributions that have shaped and enriched society as well as helped the nation achieve sustainability targets Theodora Senaya, President of Orange Women Network, agrees that celebrating women is essential because they are the primary channel through which life is brought into existence. She adds that women across Africa continue to courageously navigate challenges and make significant contributions to national progress across various sectors. They play a crucial role in moulding the social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of the continent.
The role of women in society is vital and diverse, spanning domains such as education, healthcare, agriculture, business, and community development. According to the World Bank Gender Data Portal, in Ghana, 65.3% of women participate in the labour force, compared to 72.4% of men. 14.5% of seats in the national parliament were held by women in 2022, and 27% of women are employed in middle and senior management positions. The empowerment of women in Ghana has had a far-reaching impact on society. Through education and empowerment, women gain the ability to make informed decisions concerning their well-being and that of their families, resulting in improved maternal and child health, reduced mortality rates, and healthier communities. Through education, women are also challenging the prevailing notion that we live in a male-dominated world where men hold sway and occupy superior positions across diverse societal sectors. While notable progress has been made in women’s involvement in various fields and disciplines, there is still a long way to go to achieve true parity. For instance, in the banking sector, statistical data shows the continued male dominance in leadership positions within the labour market. A 2019 report from Stanbic Bank Ghana revealed that only 21.9% of leadership roles in financial services firms were held by women, a figure projected to increase to 31% by 2030.
Within the agricultural sector, women’s significance as farmers, labourers, and food processors is undeniable. Their active involvement has played a pivotal role in boosting food production and ensuring food security for the nation. This has not only improved the livelihoods of their families but has also significantly contributed to the nation’s economic growth and stability. Moreover, Ghanaian women have transcended conventional roles and are now prominent leaders across diverse industries, particularly in business and entrepreneurship. Their tenacity and ingenuity in overcoming obstacles have positioned them as pioneers in their respective domains, both locally and on the global stage, where they engage in international development endeavours.
Women are more than just mothers. They are also leaders, innovators, and agents of change in various spheres of society. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the nation’s progress and enhancing the well-being of their communities. On Mother’s Day and beyond, we celebrate the women of Ghana for their unwavering determination, multifaceted contributions, and profound influence.
Women have transcended traditional roles and have emerged as strong leaders in various industries, including business and entrepreneurship. They have shown resilience and creativity in overcoming challenges and have become trailblazers in their respective fields. Theodore shares her strategies for balancing her career as Head of Operational Risk in her financial organization and family. She says, “I allowed myself to be mentored by women who have made it successfully, both those physically with me and others who don’t know me, such as Carla Harris and Indra Nooyi.”
Another strong tool I use is determination. “I have a result-oriented mentality that never gives up on any challenge that comes my way.”
Women have also played a pivotal role in politics, driving positive change and advocating for policies that benefit society as a whole. Their representation in decision-making positions has led to more inclusive and equitable governance, ensuring that the needs and interests of women and other marginalized groups are taken into account. One of the key factors for Ghana’s development and progress, especially in relation to improving the status of women within society, is raising awareness through various forms of education and training. Theodore suggests that this should not be limited to women alone, as it is important for men to know what is in the policy and what is expected of them. She also emphasizes the importance of early education for girls, as it lays the foundation for their future success.
Anita Quao, Early Childhood Coordinator for Ga Central, agrees with this view. She says that early childhood education is the foundation for every individual, and when the foundation is bad, the building will crumble. She helps to train facilitators in early childhood education so that they can give the learners a good foundation. She believes that half the problem is solved when a child is able to read and write. Several women in Ghana just like Theodore and Anita contribute tremendously to the development of the nation amid the challenges they face.
Empowering women for national development involves celebrating their pivotal role in shaping societal progress. Despite advancements, gender parity in various sectors remains a challenge. Through education and increased participation, women’s contributions can drive comprehensive growth, fostering a more equitable and prosperous society.
