Author: Shaibu Hawa
School of Graduate Studies | University of Professional Studies, Accra
Email: hawamay28@gmail.com
Abstract
The study assesses the state of women in political leadership in the 4th Republican Parliament of Ghana, the challenges confronting the women in political leadership and how the situation can be improved. The study employed qualitative research method. Ten women Parliamentarians were sampled for the study. The researcher used interview and observation for collection of data. Thematic process was used to analyze the data collected. This study found that the representation of women in the parliament of Ghana is discouraging. As a result, women were confronted with challenges such as socio cultural problems, intimidation, financial constraints and many other factors, as they try to involve themselves in political leadership. In the study, it was indicated that women political leaders were abused verbally and physically. In Ghana many cultural beliefs and practices serve as a hindrance to women because women must act in accordance to societal norm. Some women solicited for funds from friends, family and philanthropist to enable them partake in political leadership. However, it was found that women used planning, unity, tolerance, patience and other factors, to enable them overcome the barriers. Meanwhile, the society should be educated on the role of women parliamentarians and women parliamentarians should be appreciated, accepted and be encouraged. Therefore, there is the need for women to be competent, disabuse their minds on perceptions which are not the reality, involve themselves in planning, nurturing of oneself and the young ones for political leadership and educating the women on the need to partake in political leadership.
Keywords: Women in Politics, Parliament of Ghana, Political Leadership Position, Motivation
