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Building Resiliency in Community Development: The Experiences of Women in Rural Communities in Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Charles Gyan

    (School of Social Work, McGill University, Canada)

  • Jacob Kwakye

    (School of Social Work, McGill University, Canada)

Abstract

In Ghana, women face challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, restricted legal rights, and entrenched gender roles, impeding their empowerment. Despite these barriers, they exhibit remarkable resilience, often through active engagement in community development initiatives. Previous studies highlight the importance of collective solidarity and intergenerational support in fostering resilience among Ghanaian women. However, these studies frequently apply external frameworks that conceptualize resilience as an internal attribute. This qualitative study explores the intrinsic motivations and support mechanisms that underpin resilience among Ghanaian women (? = 12) actively participating in community development efforts. Thematic analysis of interviews reveals that their resilience is greatly influenced by concerns for their children’s future and strengthened by strong familial and community support networks. This research enriches our understanding of resilience by highlighting authentic sources rooted in the lived experiences of Ghanaian women, challenging conventional perceptions and emphasizing both individual and community‐level factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Gyan & Jacob Kwakye, 2025. "Building Resiliency in Community Development: The Experiences of Women in Rural Communities in Ghana," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 13.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:socinc:v13:y:2025:a:8705
    DOI: 10.17645/si.8705
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simon Boateng & Kwabena Osei Poku, 2019. "Accessing finance among women-owned small businesses: evidence from lower Manya Krobo municipality, Ghana," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 9(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Kelly Bergstrand & Brian Mayer & Babette Brumback & Yi Zhang, 2015. "Assessing the Relationship Between Social Vulnerability and Community Resilience to Hazards," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 122(2), pages 391-409, June.
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