GENDER DYNAMICS IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PROGRAMS IN GHANA'S OTI AND VOLTA REGIONS OF GHANA
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Copyright (c) 2022 Aikins K, Enuameh-Agbolosoo AD, Agbesinyale P
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A number of conflict hotspots, as old as the age of the communities, can be associated with the communities of the Oti and Volta Regions of Ghana, respectively. These conflicts must be managed sustainably so they do not degenerate into violent situations time after time. The study analysed the gender dynamics of conflict management policies and programmes and their influence on development. A case study design was adopted. Data was collected through interviews, focused group discussions, and observation. Narrative thematic analysis was used in bringing out key issues related to the study. Institutional gender perspectives on policies and practices of gender equality, mainstreaming, women’s empowerment, and the involvement of women in peace and security issues revealed that even though there was an education on gender equality and gender mainstreaming, the involvement of women was generally low in all spheres. The findings also indicated there was name-calling by other women, resulting in women shying away from taking various positions in public. Some institutions also maintained the status quo that women were below men and so should therefore work under the authority of men. Gender equality and mainstreaming were to be applied only when women qualified for the positions they were applying for. Concluding, the consideration of gender balance in the creation of committees that helped to manage conflicts was overwhelmingly affirmed across the board, emphasizing the inclusion of women just like men on the conflict management committees. However, female empowerment seems to be a concept yet to be practicalized in some settings.
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