WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN THE NADOWLI DISTRICT, GHANA

Abstract

Women's participation in politics and access to public life is central for the achievement of equality, peace, sustainable development and democracy in Ghana and the world at large. Notwithstanding these, women continue to be excluded from decision-making at all levels globally. This study examines what account for the under-representation of women in local . government elections in the Nadowli District and the impact of institutions and individuals engaged in championing the course of deepening women's participation in decision-making process in the District. This study employed the qualitative research approach to gather data. Two main sampling techniques were employed- purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Primary data was gathered through focus group discussions and semi-structured interview whiles secondary data was gathered through documents, reports, textbooks, journals, newspapers, magazines and the internet. This study established that although, women participate in local government elections in the District, they are however, under-represented in the Assembly. Factors that account for the under-representation of women in the Assembly include: inadequate financial resources, cultural beliefs, inadequate education, time constraint, and lack of interest. This study notes that the continue marginalization of women in decision-making processes both at the local and national levels is an affront to women's rights and inimical to democratic development and sustainability. This study therefore, recommends stakeholders to adopt affirmative action measures such as quota system, empowerment of women educationally and the establishment of a fund by the government and her development partners to support women in future local elections in Ghana and more particularly, women in the Nadowli District.