Bernice Wadei

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Title: Negotiating Change: The Impact of Evolving Gender Roles on Women's Participation in Household Financial Decision-Making in Ghana (Rural and Urban Experiences)

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Biography

Abstract

This study examines the impact of changing gender roles on women's participation in decision-making processes in Ghana, comparing rural and urban contexts. Perceptions and experiences were explored through a mixed-methods approach employing surveys (n=400) in Ejisu Juabeng Municipality and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, alongside in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Findings reveal a positive association between changing gender roles and women's involvement in decision-making, particularly at the household level in urban areas. Access to paid employment emerged as a significant factor enabling women to participate in leadership positions across both rural and urban settings. The paper acknowledges the persistence of structural inequalities and proposes targeted interventions, including capacity building programs, policy reforms, and community awareness initiatives, to further enhance women's empowerment and participation in decision-making across Ghana.