Ten women who have reached out and made a difference in the lives of others were last Friday honoured at a ceremony at the National Theatre.

The women who were nominated by opinion groups in their regions and selected against the four pillars of duty, sacrifice, integrity and approachability were Leocadia Aleser, representing the Upper West Region; Melanie Kasise, Upper East ; Fati Issaka (who was honoured posthumously) Northern Region; Doris Nana Marfo, Brong Ahafo Region, and Theodosia Jackson Ashanti Region.

The rest were Mama Atrato II, Volta Region; Nana Amba Eyaaba, Central Region; Ama Benin Central Region; Comfort Zormelo, Greater Accra, and Sara Nyamekye, Western Region.

Dubbed “Portrait of an Excellent Woman Awards”, it was nights of listening to these noble women tell their stories of how they have impacted on society positively.

Their work ranges from empowering women and children to building orphanages, motivational speaking, fighting crime and helping with development projects.

One could not help but appreciate these women silently and give them thumbs up for brightening in the corner around which they find themselves.

At the end one woman, Melanie Kasise, who is the founder of Sirigu Women’s Organization for pottery and art, was selected as the ambassador to represent the other women in the course of championing the course of women and children.

Madam Kasise will sprearhead a campaign aimed at stirring up the spirit of communal nurturing among women and encourage positive and productive lifestyle among the youth.

All the 10 women received a citation and textiles which were presented to them by the Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Hajia Alima Mahama.

Hajia congratulated the honourees and said for being selfless, sharing their time, love and skills with others, they deserve all the honours bestowed on them.

“We appreciate you. Ghana recognizes you; continue to be the role models you are,” she added.

Another award, named ‘Encouragement Award’, was presented to hip life musician, Mzbel for her courage and will power.

Part of the citation said, “This young lady has suffered several traumatic experiences within our society. She has been physically and emotionally abused, publicly criticized and perhaps misunderstood. Yet, though laden with bruises and wounds, she managed to dust herself off, pick herself and start walking again”.

The event started with songs from Calvary Methodist Choir and a poem by Motombo. There was also good music from the Ramblers Band, Kwabena Kwabena and Black Prophet. The Ramblers Band actually got Hajia Mahama and Sylvia Annie Akwettey of the Ghana AIDS Commission on their feet to boogie to ‘old school’ music.

The Omanhene of Akyem Abuakwa, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, in his speech extolled women for the invaluable role they play in the development of a country.

According to Ewra Adwoa Buahemaa of Shear Power Ventures, organizers of the maiden edition of the event “Portrait of An Excellent Woman” was set upon a tripod stand remembering past heroines, celebrating present excellence and inspiring the future.

She said the aim of the programme, among others, was to showcase role models to inspire the youth and challenge more women to critically review their role in human resource development.

Despite the late start of the programme, technical hitches and lack of co-ordination, MC Fritz Baffour, ensured that the programme pulled of successfully and achieved it aim of celebrating women.

*Source:
                   The Mirror            page 46              Saturday, May 17, 2008