Kenya
A Country Still Largely Male-Led
A collection with Amref Health Africa for women’s rights
Ghana is often described as one of the most stable and institutionally solid countries in West Africa. It has experienced sustained economic growth, a relatively consolidated democratic system, and notable progress in healthcare and education. Yet gender equality continues to advance unevenly. A clear limitation persists: the gap between broad social inclusion and women’s real access to positions of power.
Political Representation: Limited Presence
Despite democratic stability, women remain underrepresented in Parliament, and only recently have measures been introduced to strengthen their participation. Women are active in public life and civil society, but access to top decision-making roles remains restricted. Political and economic leadership is still predominantly male, suggesting that institutional solidity has not translated into substantial progress in gender parity.
Economy and Work: Participation Without Advancement
Ghanaian women participate significantly in the labor market, particularly in trade and informal services. They are key actors in local markets and urban economies, yet often operate at small scale with limited access to credit. Female labor participation is widespread, but it rarely enables a meaningful upward shift. Few women reach senior managerial or high-level entrepreneurial positions. The challenge is less about entering the workforce and more about the opportunity to grow within it.
Education and rights
Access to primary education is close to parity, and progress at the secondary level is evident. Adolescent pregnancy rates are lower than in many neighboring countries, and maternal mortality has declined significantly. However, disparities persist in adult literacy and in post-secondary opportunities. Once again, the central issue lies in converting educational access into lasting economic and political autonomy.
Treedom and Amref
In this context, Treedom supports rural and agricultural communities, where access to resources remains a decisive factor. Strengthening income through agroforestry helps consolidate economic autonomy, which in turn enhances women’s decision-making power. Amref works on health and women’s empowerment, promoting access to healthcare services, education, and leadership opportunities, based on the conviction that institutional stability must be matched by tangible progress in women’s role within society.
