At the 4th Edition of Choc Des Lègendes, a grand festival in Accra celebrating eloquence, arts, and culture, the spotlight was on women's empowerment, leadership, and legacy. The event, themed “Praise of Women,” featured a unique format of a mock trial, where jurors debated the contributions of women to society.
The First Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, who presided as the Chair of the Great Jury, emphasized the critical role of women in shaping economies and societies. Addressing an audience gathered to honour and discuss the impact of women, Mrs. Akufo-Addo stated, “Empowering women is not just a moral obligation, but an economic and social imperative.”
She underscored the necessity of education for women, asserting that access to quality education should be a universal right, not limited by background or circumstances. “Education is not just a tool for personal growth; it's a catalyst for societal transformation,” she remarked.
Mrs. Akufo-Addo highlighted the importance of economic independence and representation in achieving true empowerment for women. She called for the elimination of barriers to economic opportunities and insisted on the need for women's voices to be heard and valued in decision-making processes across all levels of governance and business.
Beyond policy changes, the First Lady advocated for a deeper cultural shift: “Empowerment is more than policies and programmes; it's a mindset shift. It's about challenging outdated stereotypes, dismantling patriarchal structures, and fostering a culture of respect and equality.”
The event also served as a platform for other notable figures to express their views. Madam Anna Bossman, a prominent legal practitioner and Ghana's Ambassador to multiple countries played the role of an accuser in the mock trial. She pointed out that while men are often blamed for the disparities and challenges faced by women, there is also a need for women to support one another more actively.
In contrast, Ace Ankomah, another legal expert, defended the immense contributions of women, supported by witnesses like Ms. Yvonne Bettkober, an executive at Volkswagen Group, and Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis, an archaeologist and heritage management expert.
Pascal Gally, the Founder of Choc Des Lègendes, shared personal anecdotes about the women in his life, particularly his mother, emphasizing the fundamental role women play as the backbone of society.
The event not only celebrated the historical and ongoing contributions of women but also sparked meaningful dialogue on how to further empower women across all spheres of life. Mrs. Akufo-Addo concluded the event with a powerful call to action: “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. Together, let's create a future where every woman can unleash her full potential and soar to new heights.”
