Socio-Cultural Dynamics of Women Participation in Socio-Economic Development: Experiences of Women in The Bongo Traditional Area of the Upper East Region

Abstract

Empowering women to contribute their quota to community and national development has become a contemporary issue embraced worldwide. Despite the fact that women’s political participation right has been enshrined in international law, little is known about the struggles and experiences women in Africa face in their quest to participate in the development of their respective communities and the country at large. This study examined the socio-cultural factors affecting the participation of women in socio-economic development in Bongo Traditional Area of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Questionnaires were adopted in soliciting responses from 123 respondents. Qualitative data was also obtained by conducting unstructured interviews with the District Chief Executive of the Bongo District, a former Assembly Woman, a Community Based Organization Manager, a reformed Deviant, and the Tindana. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) were also held with men and women groups with the aid of FGD guide The study revealed that the patrilineal system, extended family system, early marriage, early parenting, land ownership, ownership of valuable properties, seeking of permission from husbands before accessing credit and kind of animals to rear negatively affects the participation of women in the development of the Bongo traditional area. The study thus recommended that, the National Commission for Civic Education, media, district assembly and traditional authority should collaborate in educating and sensitizing people as well as adopt custodian reforms of cultural values that have negative influence on women while emphasizing the important role women play in socio-economic development.