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Feminists' perspectives as transformative levers in Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Ohemeng, Fidelia N. A.
  • Ogum, Deda
  • Akakpo, Deborah Tayo
  • Coker-Appiah, Dorcas

Abstract

Ghana is a multi-party, multi-ethnic and multi-religious state, with a dominant influence of socio-cultural norms and practices that impact negatively on women in their everyday lives. Most Ghanaians are subject to customary law which discriminates against women, even though Ghana practises legal pluralism. The overall aim of the study is to explore and analyse contemporary feminist perspectives and organising in Ghana to demonstrate how they can be used as levers for transformative change for greater equality and sustainable development. This was a cross-sectional and fully qualitative study involving 35 feminists and women's rights advocates between the ages of 37 and 80+ years, with the majority (n=25) having over 20 years of experience and relevant postgraduate degrees. Data collection, analysis and conceptualisation were guided by the gender-transformative approach and the gender at work frameworks. Our findings show that gender inequity occurs in both formal and informal spaces. Strongly held socio-cultural norms emanating from patriarchy influence women's daily lives, and the decisions made within sub-national and national legislature. Feminist strategies span general awareness creation, through lobbying, writing and reviewing of content for policies and laws, increasing the visibility of bills to picketing to ensure the passage and implementation of applicable laws or policies. Participants consider their strategies successful despite challenges such as backlash, burnout, and the lack of funding for their activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Ohemeng, Fidelia N. A. & Ogum, Deda & Akakpo, Deborah Tayo & Coker-Appiah, Dorcas, 2025. "Feminists' perspectives as transformative levers in Ghana," IDOS Discussion Papers 6/2025, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:diedps:313626
    DOI: 10.23661/idp6.2025
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Akosua K. Darkwah, 2010. "Education: Pathway to Empowerment for Ghanaian Women?," IDS Bulletin, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 41(2), pages 28-36, March.
    2. Regina Gemignani & Quentin Wodon, 2015. "Child Marriage and Faith Affiliation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Stylized Facts and Heterogeneity," The Review of Faith & International Affairs, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(3), pages 41-47, September.
    3. Christine Dowuona-Hammond & Raymond A. Atuguba & Francis Xavier Dery Tuokuu, 2020. "Women’s Survival in Ghana: What Has Law Got to Do With It?," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(3), pages 21582440209, July.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender; Africa; Feminism; Ghana; Development Policy;
    All these keywords.

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