CDS Africa Organises “Market Women For
Peaceful Polls” Program Ahead Of Election 2024

The “Market Women for Peaceful Polls" campaign is not merely a
call to action but a beacon of hope for peaceful and democratic electoral processes.

Introduction

Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, representing the collective voice of the people in shaping their government and future. Yet, these pivotal moments in a nation’s history are often marred by tensions, conflict, and discord that undermine their credibility and inclusivity. Recognizing the critical role that women, especially market women, play in community leadership, grassroots organization, and peace-building, the Africa Center for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development initiated a campaign dubbed “Market Women for Peaceful Polls".  This timely and transformative initiative sought to harness the influence, resilience, and leadership of market women to foster a culture of peace, tolerance, and unity during the electoral process.

Market women are the heartbeat of many communities, providing not only economic sustenance but also serving as key agents of social cohesion. They bridge divides, mediate disputes, and set examples of resilience in the face of adversity. By empowering them to champion peaceful elections, the campaign recognized their potential to galvanize their communities, raise awareness, and cultivate an environment where electoral processes are conducted without violence or fear. This initiative aimed to amplify their voices and equip them with the tools to advocate for peace.

The “Market Women for Peaceful Polls" campaign underscored the belief that elections should not be battlegrounds but celebrations of democratic participation. It acknowledged that lasting peace begins at the grassroots level and that market women, as trusted community anchors, are uniquely positioned to inspire and sustain such peace. By uniting these women under a common cause, this campaign aspired to create a ripple effect, touching every segment of society and ensuring elections that reflect the true will of the people, free from violence and intimidation.

Scenes from Neoplan Station

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Roll out of Market Women for Peaceful Polls

The selection of market women was premised on the fact that market women are vital and central community figures, often influencing neighbours, friends, and family. The campaign was therefore a strategic initiative to educate, equip, and empower market women to be advocates for democracy, peace and reliable sources of information.

This initiative was in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education, NCCE with a concentration on three markets namely, Odawna market, Madina market and Dome market. The program kick-started at Neoplan Station on Friday 8th November 2024. The event featured drivers and traders as well as political figures like the flagbearer of CPP, Nana Frimpomaa Sarpong Kumankomah. A team from both CDS Africa and NCCE led by Deputy Director of NCCE, Joanah Ampomah Nkansah educated participants on electoral procedures and voter rights. The gathering provided participants with accurate information on the electoral process, ensuring participants understood their voting rights, how to report issues, and what to expect on Election Day.

Participants were taught to be Community Peace Ambassadors and lead by example as advocates of peaceful engagement. Special guests of honour, Kassim Hassan, Welfare Secretary of the Circle Neoplan Station and the flagbearer of the Convention People’s Party, CPP Nana Frimpomaa Sarpong Kumankomah expressed how timely and important the program was and the role of drivers and market women in promoting peace and ensuring democracy.

Madina Market

On Friday, November 15, 2024, the CDS Africa team and NCCE team from La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipal extended the program to Madina Market. The engagement took place at the information centre where the Advocacy and Public Engagement Coordinator at CDS Africa, Celestina Damoah spoke on the objective of the initiative and civic responsibility along with a team from NCCE. After the engagement, the team spread out to interact with the market women and share souvenirs. The Market Women for Peaceful Polls initiative by CDS Africa successfully concluded at the Madina market with media interviews.

Scenes from Madina Market

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Dome Market

The climax of Market Women for Peaceful Polls was at Dome Market on Friday, November 29, 2024. As done at Neoplan Station and Madina market, Dome market also engaged market women on electoral violence and their civic rights. The engagement gave market women the platform to ask pertinent questions which were answered by the deputy director of NCCE, Joanah Ampomah Nkansah. At the end of the engagement, the market women at Dome Market were equipped with knowledge that would enable them to promote calm, tolerance, and respect for differing political views within their circles and the broader community.

Scenes from Dome Market

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Conclusion

The “Market Women for Peaceful Polls" campaign is not merely a call to action but a beacon of hope for peaceful and democratic electoral processes. By empowering market women to take centre stage as ambassadors of peace, this initiative tapped into an often-overlooked yet profoundly influential demographic. Their leadership can transform markets into hubs of advocacy, dialogue, and education, fostering a climate where elections are conducted with dignity, mutual respect, and adherence to democratic principles.

As the campaign progresses, it is crucial to ensure sustained engagement, continuous capacity building, and a platform for market women to share their experiences and challenges. Through these efforts, the campaign not only contributed to the call for peace but also laid the groundwork for a culture of sustained harmony in the political sphere. The “Market Women for Peaceful Polls" initiative reminds us that the power of peace lies within communities and that when women lead, especially those rooted deeply in the fabric of society, the possibilities for transformation are boundless. This campaign in future will inspire a new era of elections defined by unity, fairness, and the unyielding resolve of market women to champion peace for all.