Growing up as a farmer with no formal education, Madam Rose Asamoah, a 45-year-old mother and wife in Ahokwa in the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality, normally lived as a timid and reserved person, feeling inferior, doubting her self-worth and believing that she could not achieve much in life with her background. This prevented her from participating in communal activities or speaking in public for fear of making mistakes or being ridiculed. Her fear was compounded by the gender stereotypes and patriarchal norms that dominated her community, where women were historically marginalized and excluded from decision-making and leadership.
But in 2023, Rose’s personality underwent a pivotal turn when she encountered the WEACT Project, and participated in series of trainings on gender roles/stereotypes and transformational leadership. The training empowered her with valuable insights on the significance of women in leadership, effective leadership skills, effective communication and advocacy strategies, confidence building techniques, and constructive criticism management, while fostering values of patriotism, self-love and respect. She understood better, the importance of her voice in the development of her society which encouraged her to break out of her shell. Gradually, Rose shed off self-doubt, shyness and timidity, and a new flame of confidence sparked within her, causing her to join the women’s group in her community (known as Royal Ladies), which was mobilized by the community’s Queen mother following the introduction of WEACT.
For the first time in her life, Rose actively participated in the activities and meetings of this group, confidently speaking up and articulating her opinion during discussions. This led to her nomination and selection as the first Chairwoman of the Royal Ladies group. As the Chairwoman, she leads over 60 women (including the Queen Mother) to advocate for women’s wellbeing and other social amenities for the community. She conducts meetings and facilitate discussions on the wellbeing of members and sustainability of the group, while representing the group at stakeholder meetings and engagements. Emphasizing the crucial role WEACT played in her new journey she said “…I would have rejected the position, and may not have even joined the group in the first place, but for my newfound insight and self-esteem gained through the WEACT project…”.
From a timid farmer, Rose is now a passionate leader and advocate for girl child education, women empowerment and involvement in leadership and decision making in her community. Her new personality and role have garnered her so much respect, admiration and popularity in the community, leading to her being widely nicknamed Madam Speaker. “I have become a role model and mentor for many of my peers and young females in the community, and I advise my peers to educate their girl children, and the young women to be empowered, active and confident…” says Rose.
With a stronger sense of self, Rose now aspires to attain greater heights in leadership, being fearless of failure and poised in her ability to accomplish anything she sets her mind on. This led her to contest for the position of a Unit Committee Chairperson in her electoral area. Although she ranked second and did not win, she remains determined, with plans to contest again, and later contest for the position of Assembly Woman in the ensuing election years.
Rose’ story highlights the fact that every individual, regardless of the background, has the potential to become a catalyst for change, and even the smallest investment in women’s empowerment can unlock leadership potentials and lead to significant and lasting impact.