Alice Awane, a seasoned advocate for women’s development and former regional coordinator of the 31st December Women’s Movement in the Upper East Region, has played a pivotal role in mobilizing women towards economic and social progress. From her early years as a professional teacher, Awane has dedicated her life to advocacy, focusing on empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and leadership training.
Her natural inclination towards leadership was evident early on, and as she stepped into her career as a teacher, she began organizing and mobilizing women for their personal and community development.
Joining the 31st December Women’s Movement
Alice Awane’s commitment to women’s empowerment led her to become actively involved with the 31st December Women’s Movement. “I organize women, especially my community women, and the movement was also organizing women in various forms, particularly for their economic development and health needs. So I had a group, and I introduced my group to the movement, and we became part of them,” she explains.
Her dedication was soon recognized, and she was invited to join the regional secretariat, eventually being appointed as the regional organizer. She coordinated activities across various districts, focusing on initiatives such as preschool education, basket weaving, and shea butter production, all aimed at economic advancement for women.
Transforming Education Through Preschool Establishment
One of the most significant contributions of the movement under her leadership was the establishment of preschools. “Our first most important activity was the idea of the preschools because we felt it was a hindrance to the activities of the women,” she recounts. Schools like Yikine Primary School, Dulugu Primary School, and Gambibgo Primary School began as preschools under the movement and have since grown into full-fledged educational institutions with government support.
Economic Empowerment: Basketry and Shea Butter Production
The movement also revolutionized women’s economic opportunities through basket weaving and shea butter production. “The 31st December Women’s Movement started the idea of basketry and exporting baskets. In fact, in the majority of the districts, basketry is going on. We brought patterns, trained women, and started exporting baskets,” she highlights. The shea butter production initiative also helped women gain financial independence. “We promoted their shea butter production, and it went a long way to improve their financial status.”
Encouraging Women’s Leadership and Political Participation
The movement’s impact extended beyond economic empowerment to leadership development. “All the women we can find in political areas, like assemblywomen, either elected or chosen by the government, joined the 31st December Women’s Movement,” Awane notes. One notable success story is Honorable Laadi Ayamba, the Pusiga MP, who was a member of the movement and whose election was championed by its efforts.
Challenges and Overcoming Resistance
As with any transformative movement, challenges arose. “We had resistance from opponents and from the opposite sex. As organizers, we went out and came back late, and some of us became vocal, leading to misconceptions that we were trying to rub shoulders with men,” she recalls. Additionally, rivalry among women also posed challenges. However, the movement addressed these issues through community engagement and demonstrating the benefits of their work. “Our husbands saw that the businesses we were doing were bringing income to support their family budget. So, they saw the need to compromise and encourage us.”
Addressing Women’s Issues: Poverty, Education, and Health
The movement tackled critical issues such as extreme poverty, lack of education, and health awareness. “At that time, extreme poverty was one of the things. Most women were not open to opportunities and didn’t realize they could support themselves through economic activities. Through the movement, we taught women basket weaving and other trades, which improved their income,” she shares.
Health education was another critical area. “The movement was very vocal in breast cancer education. I remember attending a workshop in Accra on mammography. The movement even sourced funding to bring mammograph machines to the country.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Alice Awane credits the movement for shaping her leadership journey. “The movement was linked with other organizations like FAWE, and I was their focal person here. We got into schools to educate young girls on their way forward,” she explains. Beyond the movement, she has remained a leader in various organizations, including the Catholic Women’s Organization and Christian Mothers.
Assessing the Movement’s Impact
Reflecting on the movement’s achievements, Awane confidently states, “More than achieved. All other young leaders from various institutions were inspired by the 31st December women’s activities. Our women have become leaders in politics, business, and education.”
She acknowledges the evolving landscape for women, where opportunities such as online and distance education have become more accessible. “Now, teachers, nurses, and others can take online courses to improve their academic status. If you don’t go high, you can never progress.”
Economic Empowerment Beyond the Movement
Beyond education and leadership, the movement also fostered financial independence for women through various trades, including bakery. “The 31st December Women’s Movement provided machinery for processing flour, and many women learned to be bakers. These are all areas that bring income to women,” she notes.
Conclusion
Alice Awane’s journey is a testament to the impact of grassroots advocacy and organized women’s movements in transforming communities. Through her leadership in the 31st December Women’s Movement, she has played a crucial role in economic empowerment, education, and political participation for women in the Upper East Region. Her story continues to inspire generations of women to strive for leadership, financial independence, and societal progress.
Alice Awane hopes that younger generations of women will continue to push for progress. “We must continue to educate, support, and uplift one another. Women’s empowerment is not just about personal success; it is about creating a lasting legacy for future generations.”
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Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
