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Mrs. Thywill Eyra Kpe, the Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender, has called on traditional queenmothers to serve as primary advocates for women’s rights and the protection of girls. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony for the newly elected executives of the Volta Regional Queen Mothers Association in Ho, Mrs. Kpe emphasized that traditional leaders are uniquely positioned to drive inclusive development and champion the implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.
A central focus of the Director's address was the urgent need to address gender-based violence (GBV) within local communities. Mrs. Kpe urged the queenmothers to ensure that crimes against women and children are reported directly to the appropriate legal authorities rather than being settled privately through traditional mediation. By promoting a culture of public reporting and discouraging internal settlements for criminal matters, she argued that traditional leadership can better safeguard the rights of vulnerable individuals and ensure justice is served through the formal legal system.
Addressing the political landscape, Mrs. Kpe highlighted the current low representation of women in political leadership roles across the Volta Region. She encouraged the Association to lead grassroots campaigns to boost the visibility and influence of women in governance, citing the provisions of the new Affirmative Action Act as a critical tool for progress. The Department of Gender expressed its full readiness to support the new executive team, underscoring the vital role that queenmothers play in the broader mission of community empowerment and national development.