Women Becoming Bosses: Changing Gender Roles and Decision Making in Dangme West District of Ghana

Abstract

Using both quantitative and qualitative data from the Dangme West district
of Ghan.a, this study shows how the changing socio-economic status of
women, as a result of governmental and non-governmental interventions,
has influenced women to economically contribute more in their homes,
become less vulnerable and subsequently improve their decision-making
roles. The study also revealed that other factors such as unemployment and
out-migration of men are creating more space for women to assume
'headship' positions and act as major decision-makers in the hom.e. This
'new' gender role and position of women is, however, creating gender
antagonism at the household level. The study recommends that NGOs and
government agencies must strategically tackle the complexities of decisionmaking and bmgaining power in interpersonal relationships. Moreover,
sensitive issues concerning sexual behaviour must be addressed as the first
step towards any intervention.