By Philip Tengzu, GNA
Lawra (U/W/R), Oct. 26, GNA – Contesting for the position of Youth Organiser in a political party as a woman is uncommon, particularly in a patriarchal society such as the Lawra Constituency, where some leadership roles are traditionally viewed as the preserve of men.
Women often compete for positions such as Women’s Organiser and, in some cases, deputy positions rather than substantive leadership roles.
For Ms Josephine Aasoayir, however, male-dominated leadership positions have always been worth pursuing, driven by her desire to challenge the status quo.
The seamstress from Zambo in the Lawra District was the only woman who contested a position other than the Women’s Organiser role in the recent National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency elections.
Ms Aasoayir, Assembly Member for the Zambo-Kpee Electoral Area, contested and won the Lawra Constituency Youth Organiser position.
She secured 46 votes out of the 92 valid votes cast to defeat two male contenders, Mr Michael Tuora and Mr Abdul-Falilu Issaka, who obtained 43 and three votes respectively.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the election, Ms Aasoayir said her decision to contest the position was motivated by her determination to challenge gender stereotypes.
She said her victory demonstrated that women could contest and win any position they aspired to and effectively lead in spaces often perceived to be reserved for men.
Ms Aasoayir explained that her experience of interacting and working closely with men from her school days had strengthened her confidence to take up leadership responsibilities beyond positions traditionally associated with women.
“During my schooling time, I was more or less a man because I moved with men. I did everything with men,” Ms Aasoayir maintained.
Reflecting on her journey into local governance, Ms Aasoayir said she first contested for the Assembly Member position in 2015 but lost. She, however, won in a subsequent election, demonstrating her ability to compete with men for leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to community development.
She expressed the hope that her success would inspire more women to participate actively in political leadership and decision-making.
Ms Aasoayir observed that some women limited their political ambitions to positions such as Women’s Organiser because of fear of victimisation, insults and other negative attitudes.
She encouraged women to overcome such fears and contest any position they desired.
“What I want to tell women is that it is not taboo for a woman to contest a position where we think that men are supposed to contest. We are all one. What a man can do, a woman can do the same,” Ms Aasoayir said.
She indicated that she would consider contesting other leadership positions, including the constituency chairmanship, if she had the necessary resources.
Her election as Constituency Youth Organiser comes against the backdrop of persistent gender disparities in political leadership.
Women continue to face social expectations, stereotypes and other barriers that discourage many from seeking positions traditionally associated with men.
Ms Aasoayir’s victory therefore highlights the importance of encouraging women to pursue leadership roles based on their interests, experience and capabilities rather than gender-based expectations.
It also underscores the need for political parties and communities to create environments that support and promote women’s participation in leadership.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Philip Tengzu
Reporter’s email: [email protected]