GENDER ROLES AND FEMINIZATION OF POVERTY: THE CASE OF NADOWLI IN THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the influence of gender division of labour in household arrangements on poverty feminization taking Nadowli in the Upper West Region as a case study. A qualitative case study design was employed to investigate the nature and influence of gender roles on poverty feminization. The study was descriptive, cross-sectional and non-interventional. A quota sampling technique was used to select 100 respondents (women and men) from Nadowli who were interviewed and administered with questionnaires. The findings revealed that the gender role activities of men are productive in nature and are mostly performed outside the home while the gender role activities of women are reproductive in nature which mostly limit women to the home. It emerged that the gender reproductive roles of women, coupled with illiteracy and inability to take independent decisions account for the gender differences in poverty. Women reproductive roles are time consuming, non-rewarding in monetary terms and prevent women from undertaking certain income generating activities. The gender reproductive roles of women affect negatively the socioeconomic status of women since these gender role activities affect the educational and occupational activities of women. The study concluded that, specifically, gender reproductive roles of women account for the feminization of poverty. For poverty reduction strategies to yield meaningful results, serious coordinated efforts should be made towards realigning the gendered roles of men and women.