Lessons from the myth of the Akan for gender mainstreaming in sustainable development

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article examines the Akan myth of the separation of the Supreme Being from humankind and how the knowledge base which it forms can be used for achieving SDG 5 – Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. It developed from a study carried out against the backdrop that indigenous African culture subjugates women, especially, in matters of political participation and representation, and the management of national resources. Using qualitative research, specifically, phenomenology and in-depth interviews as the research tools, data was collected from a sample of 10 respondents made up of seven females and three males. It contends that many indigenous African cultural beliefs and practices, including the knowledge based on the myth, advance women’s well-being and communicate ideas for achieving SDG 5. However, key aspects of the myth have not been interrogated for critical analyses. It submits that applying the widely affirmed worldviews of the complementary nature of gender dynamics associated with the Akan helps to utilise the myth for gender-mainstreaming and sustainable development.