By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 25th October, 2025
Ghana mourns the loss of a champion for women’s rights, as Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the country’s former First Lady, passed away on October 23, 2025. Her 31st December Women’s Movement was a driving force behind the empowerment of women in Ghana, particularly in rural communities.
Through the movement, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings spearheaded initiatives that transformed women’s lives through education, economic empowerment, healthcare, and literacy programs. The establishment of over 870 preschools enabled women to pursue economic opportunities, while income-generating projects and village-level initiatives fostered community development.
Her advocacy for the Intestate Succession Law was a groundbreaking achievement, safeguarding the inheritance rights of widows and children. This milestone legislation paved the way for future generations of women to claim their rightful place in Ghana’s society.
Under her leadership, the 31st December Women’s Movement rallied an estimated two million women nationwide, encouraging their participation in decision-making processes. The movement’s tireless efforts to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality culminated in the inclusion of key provisions in Ghana’s 1992 constitution.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for women leaders in Ghana and beyond. Her unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment has left an indelible mark on the country’s social and political fabric.
AFRICAN VOICES INTERNATIONAL, FREEDOM IN AFRICA
