Gender inequalities persist in Ghana, citizens give Government failing grade
Despite some progress in recent years, gender inequalities continue to persist in Ghana, and the government’s efforts to address them have received negative ratings from citizens, according to the latest Afrobarometer survey. The findings underscore the need for greater action from policymakers to promote gender equality and close existing gaps.
The survey reveals that women in Ghana still lag behind men in terms of educational attainment, with fewer women having secondary or post-secondary education compared to men. This educational gap has significant implications for women’s economic empowerment and their ability to access higher-paying jobs and participate fully in the workforce. Moreover, women are also less likely than men to have control over household finances, with only 51% of Ghanaian women saying they make household financial decisions independently, compared to 60% of men. This lack of financial autonomy can limit women’s ability to invest in their own education and pursue economic opportunities.
Another key finding of the survey is that Ghanaians strongly support women having the same rights as men in land ownership and inheritance. However, men are less likely than women to support this belief, highlighting the need to engage men in efforts to promote gender equality. Additionally, while a majority of Ghanaians believe that a woman who runs for political office will gain standing in the community, many also believe that she will face criticism, harassment, and problems with her family. This underscores the need to create safe and supportive environments for women to participate in politics and public life.
Perhaps most concerning is the fact that a majority of Ghanaians give the government a failing grade for its efforts to promote equal rights and opportunities for women. This suggests that citizens expect more action from policymakers to address the persistent gender inequalities in the country. While there have been some efforts to promote gender equality in recent years, such as the passing of the Domestic Violence Act in 2007 and the establishment of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, more needs to be done to translate these policies into concrete actions and outcomes.
Closing gender gaps in Ghana is not only a matter of social justice and human rights, but also critical for economic growth and development. Studies have shown that countries with greater gender equality tend to have stronger economic performance and more inclusive societies. Therefore, promoting gender equality should be a priority for policymakers in Ghana and beyond.
To achieve this goal, policymakers need to take a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of gender inequalities and promotes women’s empowerment across all sectors of society. This includes investing in education and skills development for women, promoting women’s access to financial resources, addressing discriminatory social norms and cultural practices, and promoting women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes.
The Afrobarometer survey highlights the need for greater action from policymakers to promote gender equality and close existing gaps in Ghana. While there have been some positive developments in recent years, much more needs to be done to ensure that women have the same opportunities and rights as men. Closing gender gaps is not only the right thing to do, but also critical for achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development.
