Social Transformation That Focuses On Women Empowerment In Society Through Education

Discrimination against women is one of the most serious social problems in many African communities and Ghana is no exception.

Basically, the woman faces discrimination right from childhood to adulthood. For instance, in some Ghanaian communities when a baby boy is born the family rejoices and announces that another ‘human’ has been added to their number but a baby girl is not considered ‘human’.

In the community I come from, in Ghana, the woman according to tradition is considered inferior to man and has no right to confront him on any issue but rather accept everything that comes from the man.
Even in some religious circles, the doctrine is that the woman is expected to be quiet and so is not allowed to preach or hold any position.

Just like what pertains in many African communities, the place for the woman does not extend beyond the home and the kitchen. Women are only expected to produce children and look after them and their husbands.
In instances where the woman is allowed to work, her services are only needed in menial jobs such as fetching water or carrying sand for the construction of a house, market, palace or hewing wood among others.

On any typical day, a young girl in my community is expected to wake up very early in the morning mostly at dawn to start the day by cleaning, washing, and undertaking other household activities while her male brothers sleep or play during the day.

Even where the girl has the opportunity to go to school she will have to end mid way though with no prospect of pursuing higher education. She is pulled out of the classroom to make sure there is always food on the table when the boys return home after school or from the farm or to wash the clothes of her brothers.
In my community, child labour is a common feature where under-aged children mostly girls work to earn an income for the family and to look after the boys.

Women are disadvantaged in society and cannot therefore rub shoulders with their male counterparts.
Due to this the ratio of boys to girls at all educational levels is higher for boys compared to that of girls, the boys end of dominating all levels and take control of the commanding heights of the economy. The boys occupy top managerial, political and higher decision making positions while the women can only manage to attain middle level and lower positions.

Apart from discrimination against women created by our political and social systems, women and children usually become unfortunate victims of war, crime as well as civil and political unrest.

As a result of my awareness of the discrimination against women in all spheres of endeavour as well as the serious challenges faced by women in my community and Africa as a whole, I have a strong desire to work towards the social, economic and political emancipation of women through my work as a journalist and author.

My vision therefore is to ensure the social transformation of girls and women in my community focusing on women empowerment as well as the promotion of women’s rights.

By joining Voice Of Our Future, I would get access to professional development through skill building in citizen journalism, digital empowerment and networking. I will as well get the opportunity to collaborate and build relationships with women across the globe where through sharing of ideas and knowledge.

My positive vision for the future and solutions-oriented writing and commitment to promote global issues through the eyes of women would easily be achieved. Through this Voice Our Future programme, I could enhance my personal development, including increased self-awareness and confidence.

I know I have joined an outspoken community to help address the challenges that grassroots women face and also promote the well being of women in general.

I hope to develop my capacity to work and achieve my vision of promoting the rights of women in my community.