Women’s Survival in Ghana: What Has Law Got to Do With It?

Abstract

In the 21st century, women around the world continue to face societal, economic, and sexual adversities, even as the “#MeToo” and “Time’s Up” movements appear to have excited a new tone toward the fight for gender equality and female empowerment. In this context, and in the broader context of liberating women from the oppressive shackles of a world that seems to punish women for their mere existence, this article tackles issues which are mainly peculiar to Ghana, and which have an impact on the equality, empowerment, and survival of women. The article discusses the laws, policies, and regulations that have been established to improve the lives of women in Ghana. It also examines the scourge of dangerous, discriminatory practices such as female genital mutilation, the banishment of suspected witches, and inhumane widowhood rites, which are detrimental to the survival of women in Ghana. The article recognizes that the lack of sustained growth in women’s progress globally, and specifically in Ghana, is due in large part to these discriminatory practices that have muted the voices and perspectives of women in decision-making. The law, therefore, is not enough. Some of the pivotal roles nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have played to empower women include campaigns to repeal legislation adversely affecting women’s inheritance and to improve the fairness of the Parliamentary process, efforts toward the elimination of trokosi, and the initiatives to protect women suspected of witchcraft from humiliation and banishment.