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Factors of Gender Inequality in the Society

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Gender inequality refers to unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender. It arises from differences in socially constructed gender roles as well as biologically through chromosomes, brain structure and hormonal differences. The following factors account for issues of gender inequalities in the Ghanaian society.

Education inequality
Gender differences in enrolment for formal education have narrowed slightly since Independence but continue to persist particularly at higher levels. Dropout rates for boys and literacy rates are still much lower for women than men. During the last decade, the private costs of education have risen, putting many families under financial strain as evidenced by continued high dropout …show more content…

customary law marriages, Ordinance (Christian, monogamous) marriages and marriages under the Marriage of Mohammeddans Ordinance (which permits polygamy). The vast majority of marriages (80 percent) are still contracted under customary law, even among educated, urban groups. The parallel systems have operated largely to the detriment of women, who have been caught between the decline in traditional forms of security and the failure of the legal system to include or enforce provisions, which would provide them with some meaningful protection. Women are generally expected to marry, and most women do before their 30s. Once married, the husband is seen as having full control of the wife including sexual monopoly and the right to claim damages in the case of adultery. Polygamy is permitted under customary law and indeed men are encouraged to have as many wives as they can afford. Within Ghanaian households, in Customary Law, the husband is under an obligation to maintain his wives and children. In return, a wife and her children are obliged to assist the husband/father in his chosen trade or profession, although they do not become joint owners of the resulting property acquired.

Power imbalance/unequal power relations
Ghanaian women are effectively under the control or authority of men (initially their father or other male members of their kin group and later their husband) for much of their lives, although they may gain in status and influence with age. As a

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