Correspondence from the Eastern Region

Stakeholders have used this year's International Women’s Day celebration in Berekuso in the Eastern Region to advocate women’s empowerment, hygiene, and protection of girls through traditional leadership and community participation.

The community engagement to mark the Day brought together traditional leaders, women’s groups, development organisations, community members and students at Twafoman School Park in Berekuso to promote women’s empowerment, hygiene education, and community development.

The event, organised by Giving World International in collaboration with Obaapa Development Foundation and the Ghana National Union of Queenmothers, formed part of activities marking the 2026 global theme “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls.”

The programme was held under the auspices of the Berekuso chief, Odeefo Oteng Korankye II, who also serves as the Twafohene of Akuapem.

Welcoming participants, President of Giving World International, Priscilla Yeboah, said the gathering was intended to celebrate the contributions of women while encouraging stronger community support systems for women and girls.

She noted that women continue to play crucial roles in shaping families, communities and national development.

“When women give their time, knowledge and leadership to support others, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Families become stronger, communities become more resilient, and societies experience meaningful development,” she said.

According to her, the organisation’s mission is to restore hope among vulnerable children, youth and women while creating sustainable pathways for communities to overcome hunger and poverty.

Yeboah explained that the community engagement included mentorship sessions, hygiene education, cultural interaction and community outreach activities aimed at inspiring women and girls to pursue leadership and social transformation.

Traditional leaders call for protection of women’s rights

Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, Obaapa Adwoa Ankyaa, emphasised the role of cultural leadership in protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

She noted that traditional authorities have a responsibility to ensure justice within communities, particularly in cases involving abuse, discrimination or violence against women.

“Traditional leaders are often the first point of mediation in communities. We must ensure that cases involving abuse or discrimination are treated seriously and referred to the appropriate authorities,” he said.

She encouraged community leaders to collaborate with institutions such as the Ghana Police Service to address issues of domestic violence and safeguard vulnerable persons.

According to her, culture should serve as a tool for protecting women rather than reinforcing harmful practices.

“When women are safe and empowered, our communities become stronger and our nation prospers,” she added.

Chairman of the occasion, the Berekuso Kyidomhene, Nana Osae Sakyi, called for stronger support from men to help women realise their full potential in society.

According to him, women are capable of rising to the highest levels in leadership and development when they receive the necessary encouragement and cooperation from men.

“Men must support women. Women can go high up the ladder, and women should see men as their pillar,” he stated.

Hygiene and personal health advocacy

Several speakers used the platform to emphasise the importance of hygiene, health awareness and responsible living among women and young girls.

The Ankobeahemaa of Kitase, Nana Ansaa Sasraku and Kyidomhemaa of Berekuso, Ohemaa Korkor Adane, urged adolescents to prioritise personal and menstrual hygiene while remaining focused on their education.

They advised girls to be cautious in their relationships and encouraged women to pursue financial empowerment in order to support their families and contribute meaningfully to society.

“We must safeguard our children and ensure they grow into responsible adults who can take care of themselves and their communities,” they said.

The Queenmothers also encouraged students to appreciate the sacrifices of their parents and remain committed to their studies.

A retired midwife, Georgina Opare, also spoke extensively on personal hygiene and health, stressing the importance of regular medical check-ups, proper nutrition and family planning.

She urged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics regularly and encouraged women to adopt healthy lifestyles.

“Prioritise good eating habits, maintain cleanliness at home, rest well and exercise regularly. Good mental health is also important, and people should avoid excessive alcohol consumption,” she advised.

Indigenous cooking competition

A major highlight of the event was a cooking competition, As part of the celebrations, ten women’s groups participated in the competition featuring indigenous Ghanaian dishes.

The contestants prepared meals including tuo zaafi, aprapransa, ntebrefua, fufu, nyoma, rice and oil, oblayo, brodokunu, kokonte, and brodeɛ ampesi.

At the end of the competition, the Santemu group, which prepared tuo zaafi, and the Odomase group, which prepared kokonte with groundnut soup, emerged joint winners.

The winners as well as all participants received handsome prizes for participating.

Organisers said the contest was designed to promote indigenous foods while encouraging women to preserve Ghana’s rich culinary traditions.

Call for sustained empowerment

Speakers at the event stressed that empowering women should go beyond symbolic celebrations.

They called for sustained mentorship for girls, increased support for women-led initiatives, and stronger collaboration among community leaders, civil society organisations and development partners.

Participants were also encouraged to continue sharing knowledge, supporting one another and building resilient communities where women and girls can reach their full potential.

The event concluded with recognition of individuals who have demonstrated commitment to community service and women’s empowerment.