Ahead of the celebration of International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, Superiors of five Women Religious Congregations in Ghana have advocated for more empowerment of women, gender equality and recognition of women in society.
The five women leaders also called for the empowerment of women to strive and eradicate gender-based violence, systemic barriers, socio-cultural practices faced by women in their personal and professional lives.
Mother Marie Pauline Kisita Afi Suka, NDE, Superior General of the Sisters of Notre Dame de l’Eglise; Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, SMMC, Superior General of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC); Sr. Christina Doggu, HHCJ, Provincial Superior, Ghana Province of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ), Sr. Francisca Damoah, SIJ, Superior General of the Society of the Infant Jesus (SIJ) and Sr. Nkechi Caroline Oraebosi, MSHR, Regional Leader of Missionary Sisters of Holy Rosary, Ghana, made the advocacy in separate messages to mark the International Women’s Day,
The messages were at the request of Sisters Communicators of the Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana (CASCON-GH).
Catholic Sister Communicators Network – Ghana (CASCON-GH) is a network of Women Religious Communicators that aims to promote effective communication on the activities of religious women and their activities in the Catholic Church in Ghana.
Every year on March 8, Women’s Day is observed. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive and universally accepted global framework for women’s and girls’ rights, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, making it particularly noteworthy.
In terms of legal protection, service accessibility, youth involvement, and a shift in societal norms, stereotypes, and outdated beliefs, the declaration revolutionised the agenda for women’s rights.
The day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle and hardships of gender inequality.
Sr. Judith Segla, NDE reports that in her message, Sr. Suka said “As Women Religious, we are deeply committed to the integral formation and promotion of women, especially young girls, recognizing that when a woman is empowered, a family, a community, and ultimately, a nation are transformed,” she said.
According to her, women had always played an outstanding role in shaping history through their resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith, stating that “Today, we acknowledge the remarkable impact of women religious who dedicate their lives in service to the Church and society, bearing witness to Christ’s love through their prayer, work, and presence.”
“We accompany mothers in their sacred duty of keeping their homes, training their children in a godly manner, and equipping them to be multifaceted women-capable of balancing faith, family, and professional life with grace,” Sr. Suka stated.
On her part, Sr. Hometowu in her message cautioned against the continuous discrimination against women, lamenting that “Often, women are subjected to physical abuse, psychological abuse, stigma, public humiliation, and in some cases, death by stoning or burning,” reports Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC.
She mentioned examples of such socio-cultural practices in Ghana as women accused of witchcraft and held in witch camps against their will, saying that widows face similar social stigma, discrimination, and violence often blamed for causing their husbands deaths while Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is rooted in traditional and tribal beliefs she insisted was a severe violation of human rights.
According to Sr. Hometowu, who is Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, “These gender-based violence and violation of human rights undermine the health and well- being of young girls and women, the most vulnerable in society.”
“As women, we must rise up and advocate for eradication of these cultural and traditional practices that negatively affect the well-being of women and girls to ensure that they are protected,” she added.
Sr. Emmanuela Dakurah, HHCJ and Sr. Sheila Adombire, HHCJ report that Sr. Doggu in her message called on young girls growing into women to embrace their unique selves.
“It’s vital to prioritize self-love, self-awareness, and to respect personal boundaries. Recognizing and accepting oneself, both in strengths and vulnerabilities, sets the foundation for a confident and authentic womanhood,” Sr. Doggu said.
She advised young ladies that “This journey also includes understanding that there is no singular way to be a woman and that each individual experience is valid.”
The HHCJ Superior added that guidance for young girls includes fostering independence, education, and continuous personal growth, saying, “Building knowledge empowers them to shape their future confidently and pursue their dreams.”
“It’s also crucial to know and assert one’s worth, ensuring respect and equality in all relationship,” she added.
Sr. Francisca Yaa Konadu, SIJ reports that Sr. Damoah in her message to mark the Day said “As women of faith, we are called to uplift, inspire, and empower others through our stories.”
“We honour the women who paved the way for us, making sacrifices so we could have opportunities today. We also remember the young girls who still struggle for a voice, dignity, and education, and we commit to continuing the work of empowerment,” she stated.
According to the SIJ Superior, “Being a woman is both a gift and a journey, marked by moments of joy, pain, sacrifice, and fulfilment… It is a vocation of love and service, requiring immense strength.”
She lamented that many women struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, saying, “We are reminded that God calls us to be faithful, not perfect and that every woman has a unique purpose.”
On her part, Sr. Oraebosi described women as powerful instruments of spreading the Good News, reports Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR.
“It was the Biblical Mary Magdalen that was the very first person to announce the Good News of the Resurrection to the other Disciples. Our Blessed Mother is an icon of an ideal woman. She is the new Ark, because in her, and through her, God, brought forth his only begotten Son,” she said.
Adding, she said “With that act of childbearing and nurturing the baby Jesus, she clearly spelt out those indomitable qualities of procreation, and nurturance that a woman possesses.”
Saying that a woman’s place in society can never be underestimated, the MSHR Regional Leader stated that women are great leaders and even in their kitchen, they exhibit their leadership role, of planning and running the home, amidst their pressure at the work place and performing their marital responsibilities.
“A woman can be said to be a vessel with several outlets, as seen in their multi-faceted role,” she pointed out.
Editorial Note: The messages will be published later to mark the Day
