Background Paper on Gender Issues in Ghana

How much autonomy do women in Ghana have? Does this equal that of men? Women in West Africa, and in particular Ghana, are often assumed to enjoy a greater degree of personal and economic independence than women in other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. While relatively speaking this may be true, this report highlights that gender inequalities are widespread in Ghana, vary by region, and act as a major constraint on women’s activities. Taking into account both market and non-market work, women on average work far longer hours than men, and are still responsible for all reproductive labour. Socio-economic changes that have occurred as a result of structural adjustment have provided limited opportunities for women, and in some cases have lead to widening gender inequality. Measures are needed to broaden women’s economic opportunity and mobility and provide them with the capacity to benefit equally from adjustment.