The power therein – A case of the African female in Ghana

Abstract

This study was set up on the premise that females in Africa have inherent power, as in capability. The dominant discourse has centered on females being portrayed as the more vulnerable gender, and thus, wielding less power, as compared to their male counterparts, whose power, status and dominance are reinforced through traditional, social and cultural beliefs. A qualitative investigation was, therefore, undertaken in Ghana, among a cross-section of males and females in Accra. The study revealed that females have space in the home, economic and governance settings to exhibit their controls and capabilities. The nurturing or home care role was however found to be outstandin g and serves as the main source of all the powers that females exercised in society. The study, therefore, recommended that, the gender discourse be balanced to project the dominant role of females which emerges from the home, so that the home will not be abandoned in lieu of career advancement or engagement in public life. Thus, commitment of females to the formal sector should not be at the expense of their nurturing roles. The two roles must be well-balanced whiles giving nurturing the priority it deserves.