Empowering Queen Mothers to Lead Change: Highlights from the Inception Workshop on Securing Women’s Land and Property Rights
COLANDEF is reaffirming its commitment to advancing women’s land rights in Ghana by empowering Queen Mothers to play an active role in land governance and policymaking. Through the Securing Women’s Land and Property Rights Project, we are working to transform Queen Mothers into advocates and educators who can champion land and property rights for women across the country.
A significant milestone in this initiative took place at the Inception Workshop for Phase 2 of the project, held on 8th and 9th October 2024 at the Golden Key Hotel, Accra. Organized in collaboration with the Queen Mothers' Platform, Ghana (QMP), the workshop welcomed 21 Paramount Queen Mothers from selected traditional areas across Ghana, representing diverse communities such as Osudoku, Ningo, Drobo, Obogu, Prang, Techiman, Akyem Abuakwa, Duayaw Nkwanta, Agona Nsabaa, Mankessim, Senya Breku, Bunkpurugu, Ahamansu, Buipe, Mafi, Logba, Sefwi Wiawso, Upper Dixcove, and Busua. The President of the QMP, Nana Amponsah Dokua III, was also in attendance, as her traditional area was one of those participating in the project. .
The primary goal of the workshop was to equip Queen Mothers with the knowledge and tools needed to educate women within their respective traditional areas about land and property rights. Recognizing the critical role that Queen Mothers play as custodians of culture and influential figures in their communities, the workshop aimed to harness their unique position to drive change at the local level. This approach seeks to empower Queen Mothers to lead efforts that challenge cultural and societal norms impeding women's access to land.
By positioning Queen Mothers as champions of women’s land and property rights, the Securing Women’s Land and Property Rights Project is creating a network of influential female leaders who can advocate for and facilitate change within their communities. The cascading impact of this approach is envisioned to reach rural and urban areas alike, as the Queen Mothers will return to their traditional areas equipped with critical knowledge and skills, which they will apply in disseminating land and property rights education through forums, community meetings, and educational programs tailored to the unique challenges of each region.
The workshop highlighted the complexities of women’s land and property rights in Ghana, addressing historical and cultural barriers while emphasizing the potential for transformative change. The presence of the Queen Mothers' Platform President reinforced the project's significance, adding a collective voice to the cause of women’s empowerment.
As Phase 2 of the Securing Women’s Land and Property Rights Project unfolds, COLANDEF is deepening its engagement with Queen Mothers to ensure that the message of women's land and property rights is not only widespread but also impactful. This effort reflects a strategic yet culturally sensitive approach to breaking long-standing barriers and promoting more equitable land ownership practices.
The Inception Workshop represents a pivotal step in the ongoing journey to secure women's land and property rights, underscoring the power of traditional leaders to ignite a movement for progressive change across Ghana. As the Queen Mothers return to their respective traditional areas, COLANDEF looks forward to working hand in hand with them to see the ripple effect of this empowerment, where knowledge and skills gained will translate into action that transforms the landscape of women’s land and property ownership in the country.