In an ambitious and socially resonant move, the She Unit of EchoHouse Africa has initiated a petition aimed at including two words to Ghana’s National Pledge so that it better captures the contributions of both fathers and mothers in the struggle for independence from British colonial rule.
This stirring campaign, spearheaded by the She Unit, seeks to instill a profound sense of inclusivity and appreciation for all genders within the fabric of Ghana’s national identity. It also comes at a time when Ghana is celebrating 67 years of gaining independence as well as the worldwide celebration of International Women’s Day which is themed “Inspire Inclusion.”
Recently, the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, made her argument during a parliamentary debate after Parliament’s new Standing Orders directed the recital of the national pledge at the beginning of Parliament’s sitting every week.
Historical Oversight in Ghana’s National Pledge
This call from the She Unit of EchoHouse Africa is drawing attention to how the wording of the National Pledge adds to a historical oversight of overlooking how women, both known and unknown contributed to the struggle of successfully gaining independence. The group emphasized the need to recognize the invaluable contributions of both genders, stating unequivocally, “While we hold our fathers in high esteem for their blood and toil, it’s high time we recognize the incredible contributions of our mothers too!”
This call for acknowledgment comes at a critical juncture, raising questions about the historical narrative and the representation of diverse voices within the framework of Ghana’s national identity.
Transformative Proposal for Inclusion
At the heart of the She Unit’s initiative is a transformative proposal to include just two words to the pledge. The group is urging the inclusion of the phrase “and mothers” to the line “Through the blood and toil of our fathers.” According to the She Unit, this addition is crucial for acknowledging the significant role mothers have played alongside fathers in the development, progress, and prosperity of the nation.
The proposed amendment serves as a rallying cry for gender inclusivity, emphasizing that both fathers and mothers have been instrumental in not only gaining independence but in nation building as well.
A Symbol of Unity and Aspiration
The Ghana National Pledge, symbolizing collective aspirations and values, currently falls short in recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of mothers. The She Unit underscores the importance of instilling values of inclusivity from an early age, emphasizing, “The pledge is ingrained in our daily lives, recited from infancy through to high school. It provides a unique opportunity to nurture a sense of unity and appreciation for all genders.”
The significance of the pledge as a symbol of national unity and aspiration cannot be overstated. It is not merely a recitation of words but a cultural practice woven into the daily lives of Ghanaians, shaping their perceptions of identity and shared purpose.
A Call for Societal Shift:
The proposed amendment to the National Pledge is not merely a linguistic adjustment; it represents a call for a societal shift towards recognizing the equality and dignity of all individuals. The She Unit emphasizes that the inclusion of ‘and mothers’ is a symbolic gesture that goes beyond words, aiming to reshape societal attitudes and foster a deeper understanding of the diverse roles played by individuals in Ghana’s history.
This call for a societal shift is also in line with broader global movements advocating for gender equality, challenging ingrained biases, reshaping the narrative to be more inclusive, and the country’s own pursuit of affirmative action.
Educational Impact and Generational Change
One of the She Unit’s key arguments centers around the educational impact of the proposed amendment. The National Pledge, recited daily in schools across the nation, serves as a powerful educational tool. “By embedding this inclusivity in the minds of young Ghanaians, we are nurturing a generation that values and respects the diversity of contributions made by all,” notes the She Unit.
Appeal for Public Support:
In the spirit of Ghana Month and International Women’s Day, the She Unit passionately appeals to every Ghanaian to support the petition. “Let this be a historic moment where every voice is heard, every story is told, and every individual is celebrated for their role in shaping the destiny of our beloved Ghana,” the She Unit implored.
The success of this initiative hinges on widespread public support, turning it into a collective action that reflects the sentiments and aspirations of us, the Ghanaian people. You can add your voice by signing the petition on www.sheunitamendedpledge.com.
Next Steps:
As the She Unit of EchoHouse Africa calls on fellow Ghanaians to join this movement, it is important to recognize that the proposed amendment to the National Pledge is not just about rewriting words; it is about rewriting history. It is about embracing inclusivity and celebrating the strength of character and contributions to society, regardless of gender, background, or status.
This petition is a symbolic act that has the potential to establish tangible outcomes that will hopefully create a ripple effect that will permeate through society and foster unity and inclusivity for generations to come.
As the nation closely watches this transformative initiative, it is poised on the cusp of a historic shift in the narrative of Ghana’s identity. The She Unit of EchoHouse Africa, in leading this charge, is urging Ghanaians to unite and reshape the foundation of our national identity for a more inclusive and equitable future. It is the hope of the She Unit that the echoes of this movement will resonate far beyond the corridors of EchoHouse Africa, and that it will leave an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the country.
