Inspiring women: Dr. Christina Konadu
“Women are powerful. When women come together, we can achieve so much.”
In honour of International Women’s Day, we’ve been talking to some of the inspiring women who are making a difference in Hammersmith. Dr. Christina Konadu is Founder and CEO of the Bassuah Legacy Foundation, a charity working to support single parents and their families in London and Ghana.
What comes to mind when you think of International Women’s Day?
When I hear ‘International Women’s Day’, I think of resilience, empowerment and progress. It is a day to honour the contributions of women in every sphere, whether in leadership, community work, education or the home. It reminds us that while we celebrate how far we’ve come, there is still work to do in ensuring equal opportunities for all. As a woman leading a charity, I see first hand the strength of women coming together to support, uplift and create lasting change.
Why did you start the Bassuah Legacy Foundation?
I lost my husband at an early age, which meant I had to raise my children alone. Being a single parent for over 30 years was incredibly tough. In 2015, I had an accident and then needed a major operation in 2016, and then I lost my son soon after the operation.
Life became even more challenging. The pain never goes away; it is something I carry with me every day. But I try to heal myself by supporting others, working hard and turning my pain into purpose.
Through the Bassuah Legacy Foundation, we have made a difference to hundreds of single-parent families, giving them hope, a safe space and meaningful support. Our programmes focus on reducing isolation, empowering women and young people, and helping people re-enter the workforce.
Do you think there are still barriers to gender equality?
Absolutely. While progress has been made, gender inequality is still deeply rooted in many aspects of society. Women continue to face barriers in leadership, the workplace and even in their personal lives. These barriers are often subtle, such as stereotypes, unequal opportunities or the expectation that women should balance it all without proper support.
In the UK, women remain underrepresented in top corporate roles, the gender pay gap persists, and women often face barriers in industries like finance, tech and politics. I am from Ghana, which has also made progress in women’s representation but still has a long way to go. While it is significant that the current vice president is a woman, true gender equality goes beyond a single leadership position. The fact that the Ghanaian cabinet has only two women highlights the ongoing gap in political representation and decision-making power. Equality means equal participation at all levels, not just symbolic representation.
For single mothers world-wide, the challenges can be even greater. They are often stigmatised, judged, underestimated or left out of opportunities simply because they are raising children alone. This is why organisations like the Bassuah Legacy Foundation are committed to breaking down stereotypes and creating a fairer society where every woman is valued for her contributions regardless of her circumstances.
True gender equality will only be achieved when women and men have the same opportunities, the same respect, the same pay, and the same freedom to make choices without bias or limitation. Until then, we must keep raising our voices, supporting one another and challenging the barriers that still exist.
Which women leaders inspire you?
Many women leaders inspire me, each in different ways. Michelle Obama stands out for her grace, intelligence and dedication to education and women’s empowerment. She has used her platform to advocate for girls’ education, health and leadership, showing that true power comes from lifting others up.
I am also inspired by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. She is a strong, trailblazing African woman who has broken barriers in global finance and trade, proving that women belong at the highest decision-making tables.
Another remarkable leader is Jacinda Ardern. Her compassionate leadership has set an example of what modern leadership should look like.
On a more personal level, I draw inspiration from everyday women who fight against the odds, such as single mothers, community leaders and grassroots activists. Their resilience, strength and ability to turn pain into purpose remind me of why I do the work I do. These community leaders include Farial Missi at Imperial College, who leads the Agents of Change Women’s Community Leadership Programme, and Sue Spiller at Sobus.
Women leaders inspire me in many ways and their stories remind me that no barrier is too high to overcome.
The Bassuah Legacy Foundation offers a range of support for single-parent families in London and Ghana, including:
- Workforce preparation, such as help with writing CVs and practising for interviews.
- The essential shopping programme and charity shop (90 Goldhawk Road, Shepherds Bush, W12 8HD), which gives families access to vouchers, welcome packs and loyalty cards.
- Financial and life skills, including a money management programme and healthy eating workshops.
- Community and wellbeing activities, such as social gatherings and trips.
The Bassuah Legacy Foundation is always keen to hear from single-parent families who want to be part of the charity, along with other individuals who are interested in volunteering opportunities or who want to support the charity’s work.
Find out more at: www.bassuahlegacy.org or by contacting Christina on WhatsApp on +44 7544 757987.
