Kape Asalwe Alugivala champions girls’ education and women’s independence in Nakolo
Kape said women’s empowerment in Nakolo is rooted in helping women achieve financial independence so they can contribute meaningfully to their families and the nation.
The Queen Mother of the Nakolo Traditional Area in Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region, Kape Asalwe Alugivala Rebecca Atulana I, is leading a mission to empower women and girls in her community, blending tradition with a progressive vision for change.
Speaking on Voices of Change on Mike FM on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Kape said women’s empowerment in Nakolo is rooted in helping women achieve financial independence so they can contribute meaningfully to their families and the nation.
“For whatever women get will always come back to the home, unlike some men, and be able to contribute their quota meaningfully to nation building. Domestic violence sometimes does come from financial challenges in the home.” She explained.
Her initiatives have included football galas to mark Mothers’ Day, community sensitization programs, and advocacy against harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), which she said still occur secretly.
Among her proudest achievements, Kape recalled rescuing a final-year Senior High School student who had been forced into marriage to an older man in Burkina Faso. With support from the Social Welfare Department and persistence against family pressure, the girl was brought back and re-enrolled in school.
“She was forced by her parents into marriage to an unknown man to her and he is even old enough to be her father. We made the necessary tests on her on her return and fortunately she was okay, so we put her back to school.” Kape recounted.
Kepa Alugivala said her biggest obstacle remains funding to sustain these activities, while calling for funding support she also urged women to be given equal voices in society.
“Please, always allow the women to say what is in them. Don’t silence them because only they know what is going on in them.” She appealed.
She acknowledged a donor from the diaspora, Dr Judith Adams, describing her as a pillar for her activism through words of encouragement and sponsoring the establishment of a school in Nakolo and providing daily feeding for students and paying teachers out of her personal generosity.
While her leadership role has brought her recognition, Kape admitted she initially declined the call to become queen mother, feeling unfit due to her financial background and limited exposure. But encouragement from the Paramount Chief of the Paga Traditional Area, Pɛ Charles Awiah Awampaga II, gave her the confidence to accept the responsibility.
Reflecting on her early life, Kape described herself as a lively and outgoing child Looking ahead, the Queen Mother said her greatest hope is for girls in Nakolo to excel academically and for women to engage in meaningful livelihoods that uplift families and the entire community.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Cynthia Afaah
