We Know Politics II

Two weeks ago I got to attend a discussion/review forum called We Know Politics II. Basically it was a wrap-up of WiLDAF’s efforts over the last few years to increase women’s representation in politics at the local and higher levels. Basically they were finding strategic ways to support any woman who was willing and qualified to run for office in her jurisdiction in an attempt to win as many seats as possible for women (some interesting complications/conflicts-of-interest came up in jurisdictions where there was more than one woman willing to run, jurisdictions where there was already a woman in office, and jurisdictions where no women wanted to run).

I got to interview two of the participants in the program (known as COWIG and/or the Hunger Project etc.) and their thoughts are at the end of this post.

Half-way through the program people were getting pretty tired so we had a quick session of group songs with actions to wake everyone up Ghanaian style (sorry if the videos make you ill, I was trying to film it while participating in the actions!)

The first one was neat, as the words of the song pretty much capture WiLDAF's entire mandate. Hopefully you can pick it out despite the accents:

Here are the testimonials from the COWIG/We Know Politics II project:

Ms. K. M.

Ms. M was appointed to the District Assembly in 2010. The Hunger Project/COWIG helped to bring out qualities in her that she never knew she had before COWIG came in. She says that she can now stand in front of people and talk, she’s not afraid of people she is going to meet, no matter where they are from. She learned leadership qualities and that is why she was able to lobby against the DCE, who had power and money behind it. 

Ms. M is from a Muslim background, born into a family where she received no education. She was the only girl in a family of 11 boys and was brought up by her grandmother who was a very vocal lady. Ms. M became a teacher and, in 2009, went on a study leave. It was COWIG that showed her she needed to get an education to get the qualities she needed in order to succeed. 

COWIG came to her district and she was recommended to it by the DCE and Social Welfare Project in 2009. 

“I wanted [the COWIG program] to continue so that I could mentor girls so that they can also come out with the qualities in them so they can build on their future. What they are, what they’re after, what they have in them”. 

Mrs. J. K.  (also known as "Jubilee Mama")

Mrs. K is a teacher and, for the last 8 years, also a radio presenter on a local radio station, discussing family issues “Da fe a me kpar”

Mrs. K has been a COWIG member since 2009 and a member of WiLDAF since 2009 as a Legal Literacy Volunteer (LLV). 

As a radio personality, she has to project women:

“Being a teacher, I have to bring leadership concepts to my girls. They can become leaders through the training I have through COWIG. Being a church leader, I try to empower women in church to take leadership positions in and outside of church. I use myself as an example and try to encourage their leadership qualities to come out through my preaching. On the radio, I project women through the topics discussed. I invite experienced women and women of substance to my program. The role of women in society, at home, and how their self-esteem should be built into confidence. Women should not be confined to just the kitchen. Society and cultural traditions affect women in my area, so I educate the public – especially men – on these issues. Education also goes to young girls so they can get into positions of leadership as they grow. I also focus on family issues and how women should be empowered in their workplaces. Economic independence should be given to women. Women are vulnerable, especially widows. Education is an agent of change so women must pursue educational programs.”

“COWIG helped me to get in touch with many more women and men who are ‘women-friendly’. COWIG built up my confidence. It helped me break the barrier of lack of confidence to approach people and lobby. It opened many doors. I now attend many gatherings. The COWIG program has also had an impact on my daughters. They are taking up leadership roles. One is now contesting for a leadership position in her college. My daughters seek assistance and support from me”.