How often do Ghanaian women think of Yaa Asantewaa? The impact of her bravery, the doors her courage opened for other women though it was a long time coming. When she led the Ashanti rebellion, also known as the “War of the Golden Stool,” against the British colony in 1900 she left an indelible mark in Ghanaian history and has become an inspiration to women generations after.
Who is Yaa Asantewaa?
She was queen mother of Ejisu in the Ashanti Empire, now known as the Ashanti region in Ghana. Not much has been documented about her life, but the little that is known describes her as a courageous leader. If she were alive today she would, without a doubt, be advocating gender equality and empowering other women to embrace and pursue challenging roles in society.
The Ghanaian woman, as demonstrated by Yaa Asantewaa, can contribute tremendously to the development of the nation if given the opportunity. The leadership skills exhibited by Yaa Asantewaa did not die with her; it’s still possessed by numerous other women, just waiting to be explored.
Ghana has shifted from the outdated to modern, where gender equality becomes part of the conversation today. While some African countries have made significant progress in the promotion of gender equality and empowering women to assume leadership roles, male dominance is still real in almost every industry in the country, though policies and laws are being put in place to reduce this autonomy for sustainable development.
It is important for Ghanaian women to know that they are indispensable in society just like Yaa Asantewaa. She was an Obaasema.