Women’s Rites of Passage Program
From Birth through Eldership
Welcome to Ohemma Ku, where women 25 and older can learn about traditional African Rites of Passage and how those rites enrich and heal our lives as women in a modern society by participating in this 6 month program.
Rites of Passage has a central role in socialization. It is the experience of significant changes or transitions that marks or identifies the movement from one stage of life, circumstances to another; and is usually accompanied by a ceremony that acknowledges the transformation from infant to adult through family and community towards self-actualization. Rites of Passage enables women to both celebrate, honor, and cope with the many changes that women face throughout their lives.
Part 1
The first series of sessions covers the early life of womanhood.
Birth – Woo - Adinto
Puberty – Bra Goro
Young Adult – Abyewa
“Ohemma Ku helped me heal! I was not aware of the deep healing I needed until I joined the journey of Ohemma Ku rites of passage. The program allowed me to heal my internal womb and wounds. It was a beautiful experience led by Nana Oparabea Bekoe and blessing to know I was in the hands of Black women who are spiritual healers and showed their dedication and love to me. The amount of tenderness and grace given to the ladies of Ohemma Ku to bring forth healing to women. I'm forever grateful! Asante Sana Okomfo Akosua, Okomfo Yaa, Okomfo Fofie, and Okomfo Serwaa.” ~Sisterly, Akosua Payin Patrice
Part II
Adulthood – Obaa
Eldership 1 – Obaa Panyin
Eldership 2 –Aberew
“In participating in Ohemma Ku, I have learned more about how to balance the story of my life as I've already experienced it and the growth in womanhood that is still in front of me. Most importantly, I have learned how to apply compassion and grace to my younger self and apply a spiritually enlightened lens to what I experienced in childhood. I am grateful for these lessons and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow in this way with my fellow sisters, all who are also seeking knowledge and understanding of self.” ~Dr. Chioma Oruh (Yaa Asantewaa)
Part III
Awo – Death
Nsamanfo – Ancestors
Nana Nom – Honorable Ancestors
“Being a part of Ohemma Ku felt right. It’s a circle of support and love and acceptance that allows you to grow, gracefully.” -Tiombe Mitchell
Acknowledgements.
Ohemma Ku took flight under the collective courage, tenacity, and trusted support of COL sisters, Okomfo Yaa Nyo Oprakah, Okomfo Fofie Ketewa, Okomfo Adjua Yasmine, and Okomfo Panyin Ajua Serwaa with special thanks to Okomfo Abena Afriye. We also want to acknowledge Okomfo Nwotwewaa’s sister friends who generously donated the sacred space for the Ohemma Ku meetings to take flight; Okomfo Yaa’s talented designs; and Okomfo Fofie’s gift of transforming spaces into monuments of beauty.