By: Louisa Kwakye
As a woman, I am appalled by the recent weaponization of the term ‘Grandma’ as an insult, particularly aimed at Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. This rhetoric exposes the misogyny and double standards that permeate our political landscape and underscores the urgent need for a fact-based campaign that celebrates women’s leadership and experience.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s credentials and achievements make her an exemplary candidate, and her age should be celebrated as a symbol of wisdom and experience. The fact that she has lived an exemplary life without a single scandalous incident attributed to her name demonstrates her integrity and leadership prowess.
It’s disheartening to see women being relegated to the margins of political discourse, their abilities and accomplishments trivialized, and their age used as a weapon against them. This kind of toxic politics perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes and reinforces the glass ceiling that prevents women from reaching their full potential.
If Professor Opoku-Agyemang were a man, she wouldn’t be subjected to such vile insults. The Ashanti Regional Chairman’s offensive comment, referring to her as a witch, is a stark reminder of the misogyny that pervades our politics. The party’s silence is deafening, and the women’s silence is even more troubling.
Let us reject the politics of insults and misogyny and embrace a campaign that uplifts and inspires. Let us celebrate women’s leadership and experience, and let us build a society that truly values and celebrates life at all ages. In the words of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, ‘We should all be feminists.’ Let us rise above the petty politics of insults and embrace a future that is inclusive, equitable, and just for all.”
