Gender
Beyond the cross: The role of women in Easter story
Easter is here again and Christians all over the world are observing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament.
It also marks the end of the Lent season and is also a time of joy and celebration for many Christians worldwide.
It is therefore not surprising to see Christians organise conventions, crusades and picnics to commemorate the special occasion.
On Good Friday which is expected to be commemorated tomorrow, a section of Christians would wear black to signify the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Predictably, it would be all white on Sunday which is the resurrection to signify victory over death.
In this article, The Spectator would look at the role women played in the entire story about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During the ministry of Jesus Christ, women such as Mary Magdalene, Mary, Martha, Joanna and Sussana played significant roles. They were devoted followers, witnesses, and provided financial support to Him, during his ministry.
At the cross, several women were present during Jesus’ crucifixion, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Matthew 27:56 mentions that “many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him.” Luke 23:27-31 and Mark 15:40-41 also refer to ‘many other women’ being present.
Women played significant roles in the events surrounding Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.
In ancient Jewish culture, women’s testimony was often viewed with skepticism or dismissed altogether. A Jewish historian Josephus noted that women’s testimony was not admissible due to perceived flaws in their character.
This societal bias is evident in the Gospel accounts, where women’s roles as witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus were crucial, yet potentially problematic given the cultural context.
The resurrection account is built on the testimony of women and it best explains the central role of women in the Easter story.
In each of the four gospels of the Bible, (Matthew, Mark, Luke and, John), the women- Mary, Mary Magdalene, were the first to see the risen Jesus. It is their testimony that sends Peter and John to the empty tomb.
The role of women in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ cannot be downplayed, bringing to light how women can be agents of change and transformation in the face of adversity.
Again, the role of these women in the events surrounding the suffering, death and resurrection is a reminder of the contributions that women can make to the life of the church and recognise the important roles women play in various aspects of life including politics, education and business.
The role of women
In Mark 14: 1-9, it was a woman who anointed the head of Jesus in preparation for his burial. In Matthew 27: 19, a woman urged her husband (Pontius Pilate) to stand against the power of the mob and spare an innocent man’s life.
Again, women were the ones that stood at the foot of the cross as Jesus breathed his last in Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1-6 and Luke 23:55-56 where women were the first to arrive at the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus.
Also they were the first to be entrusted with taking the good news of Christ’s resurrection to the disciples and were the first to witness the resurrection as captured in Matt 28: 18 -20.
Significance
According to Christianity.com, the role of these women speaks volumes of how much God loved, trusted and rewarded the women. It also speaks to the many ways God is willing, eager and able to use both men and women to advance his Kingdom.
In April 2023, a research paper on ‘The role of women in the events surrounding the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,’ states that women can be agents of change in a society that oppresses and marginalises them.
It said the fact that women played a key role in the events surrounding the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus was an example of how they can effect change and transformation.
“The role of women in the events surrounding the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ can have significant implications for national development.
One way in which this can be done is by recognisng and valuing the contributions that women make to society,” it said.
The paper said just as Jesus valued and respected women in his ministry, it is important for society to recognise the important role that women play in all areas of life, including politics, business, and education, adding that this can be achieved through policies that promote gender equality, equal opportunities, and the protection of women’s rights.
Just as the women in the Gospels were leaders and co-workers in the early Christian community, women today have the potential to be leaders in their communities, contributing to the growth and development of their nations.
Providing education and training opportunities for women can help them develop their skills and abilities, and empower them to take on leadership roles in society.
It added that the role of women in the events surrounding the Easter story provides important lessons that can be applied to national development by recognising and valuing the contributions of women, promoting their education and empowerment, and encouraging their participation in all areas of life.
Society can work towards promoting gender equality and uplifting women in all areas of society. This is a powerful reminder that God can use even the most marginalised and overlooked members of society to bring about his purposes.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Gender
Parents urged to provide moral guidance to help children transition to adulthood
North Hill International School (NIS), a basic school situated at North Legon in Accra has held its 6th Speech and Prize-Giving Day with a call on parents and guardians to provide the needed moral guidance and support for children to become responsible and disciplined adults in society.
The Guest Speaker for the occasion, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State and Government Communication who made the call in a speech read on his behalf, said this stage was crucial for children to learn values that enable them become responsible members of the family unit, their immediate environment and the country at large.
Themed: “Discipline- The bridge between dreams and reality” the event saw 36 learners in total graduating comprising primary and lower secondary.
Master Vielung Kwadwo Bagbin, son of Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, emerged overall best student.
Mr Ofosu said their formative stage was an age where good habits, behaviours and characters were built which lay a solid foundation for their lives.
In an address, the Principal of the School, Mrs Emma Coleman Opoku, said the school reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence as demonstrated by the outstanding performance of pupils in the 2025 Cambridge Checkpoint Examinations.
She described the outcome as result of tireless efforts from passionate teachers, the determination and diligence of pupils and the support of parents.
Over the years, she said, NIS has made remarkable strides in the Basic Education Certificate Examinations, consistently raising academic standards and producing outstanding results.
According to her, last year, the school recorded exceptional achievements including ten grade ones with two pupils attaining eight grade ones and another achieving six grade ones.
“Despite these successes, we have observed a decline in interest and enrollment in the GES curriculum,” she said.
The Principal indicated that, after careful examination and in light of current enrollment figures, the school has decided to suspend the GES curriculum temporarily.
On her part, the General Manager of the school, Mrs Bernice Adu Boateng, expressed gratitude to teachers for their dedication and professionalism and the invaluable role of parents which has brought the school thus far.
Come September, she said the school would roll out digital boards to complement the use of projectors and desktops in every classroom to infuse the use of technology to enhance facilitator-learner activities.
In a Global Perspective Project titled, “ Acting on Poverty and Inequality “, Year 7 pupils of the school raised an amount of GH₵17,530 to support the cause and donated used personal effects to Potter’s Village.
The Administrator and Human Resources Manager of the school, Mrs. Bertha Boamah Benin, expressed profound appreciation to companies and individuals that supported the event.
By Francis Cofie
Gender
Take control of your financial future …female students urged
Mrs. Janet Acheampong Otoo, Treasurer of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), has urged young women to take control of their financial future by embracing literacy, confidence, and purposeful planning.
Speaking at the university’s Financial Literacy Summit over the weekend, she emphasized that “money is power” and that women must be empowered with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.
The summit, organised by the Student Representative Council, was held under the theme “Financial Fitness: Building wealth and securing your future.”
Mrs Acheampong Otoo explained that financial literacy was more than budgeting—”it encompasses saving, investing, and managing debt”.
However, she noted that many women still struggle due to a confidence gap that hinders their ability to create and follow effective financial plans.
“Financial independence is about freedom, confidence, and the ability to pursue your dreams,” she said. “As women, we have the power to shape our own futures and contribute meaningfully to society and family life.”
She encouraged female students to attend workshops, read widely, and avoid impulsive spending on beauty and lifestyle. “Every financial decision should align with your long-term vision,” she added. “Believe in yourself. Lead the charge.”
Joining the conversation, the Municipal Chief Executive of Sekyere South, Mr Evans Amo Twumasi, called financial literacy one of the most overlooked foundations in nation-building.
“In today’s world, the line between economic survival and financial freedom is drawn not by luck but by knowledge and discipline,” Mr Amo said. “Money may be finite, but knowledge is infinite—and financial discipline is the bridge between them.”
He stressed that financial fitness was not just about saving or spending, but understanding the value of a cedi, the cost of each decision, and the power of forward planning. With the right mindset and habits, he said, anyone can achieve economic resilience and long-term success.
Mr Amo urged students to embrace financial education as a tool for personal transformation and national progress. “The future does not belong to those who merely wish for wealth—it belongs to those who plan it, save it, and work for it,” he said.
He also called for policies that strengthen entrepreneurship and youth empowerment and encouraged students to respect money and use it with purpose.
Other speakers included Dr Evans Duah, Dr Prince Gyimah and Prof. Joseph Mbawuni, all lecturers at the University.
From Kingsley E. Hope
