Changing cultural norms through education: voices from Ghanaian women principals

PurposeThis study examined how cultural factors positively or negatively influenced women's access to the principal role and influenced their leadership experiences. The researchers used Hofstede (2011) six dimensions of national culture as a conceptual framework. The Hofstede (2011) model of national culture consists of six dimensions (6D) that the investigators utilized to interpret and code the data. This framework allowed the researchers to comprehend the impact of cultural norms and values on women leaders and how women leaders work within those behavioral patterns. Utilizing this framework to map women educational leaders' experiences provided nuances in the dimensions within this region.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative research paradigm and a phenomenological approach, this study explored the experiences of 12 women principals in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem District (KEEA) of the Central Region of Ghana. The phenomenological approach is represented in cultural and social experiences. It enables researchers to describe the meaning of individuals' experiences (Creswell, 2007). This approach helped the researchers describe the participants' perceptions and experiences as Ghanaian women school leaders. This study sought to answer the following research questions: What are the experiences of women principals in Ghanaian K-12 public schools? What challenges do these women encounter in their work as principals? What support exists for these women to effectively execute their leadership roles? A criterion sampling was used to select principals. Data collection included one-on-one in-depth interviews and field notes.FindingsFindings revealed that these women navigated cultural norms and beliefs in order to exercise their own leadership style and pursue their careers in education. These women leaders were also able to gradually change the teachers' and community members' mindsets on women and leadership.Research limitations/implicationsThis study took place with 12 women within one district in one region of Ghana. While this is a limited sample, this study is significant because it increased one's understanding of how women leaders in patriarchal societies navigate cultural beliefs and norms in order to execute their responsibilities. This study informs educational reforms on gender equity and leadership preparation programmes and sheds light on culturally informed leadership practices unique to women.Practical implicationsBased on the study's findings, the researchers offer some recommendations for practitioners, policy makers and scholars.Social implicationsGiven the global call to promote equity in all aspects of social, economic and public life, the question is not whether we should support women educational leaders but rather how we can better support these professionals navigate cultural norms embedded in patriarchal and traditional societies.Originality/valueCurrently, majority of scholarly articles written on the experiences of women educational leaders come from South Africa (Diko, 2014; Mestry and Schmidt, 2012; Moorosi, 2010). In Ghana, quantitative studies have focused on factors accounting for gender disparity in education leadership in specific districts (Segkulu and Gyimah, 2016) and stereotypical perceptions of women principals (Pwadura, 2016). However, there are a limited number of qualitative studies that explore the experiences of women principals. This study is designed to fill this knowledge gap by employing a qualitative design to explore the experiences of 12 women school principals located in the KEEA municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Thus, the gap in knowledge that this study seeks to bridge is both methodological – in terms of the use of a qualitative approach – and topical – in terms of exploring the experiences of female principals.

An Akan Translation, Validation and Reliability of a Questionnaire for assessing Awareness of Ghanaian women on Prostate Cancer

Objectives: The study aimed to: (1) adopt, modify and develop a questionnaire suitable for data collection on prostate cancer in the female population, (2) translate the questionnaire into the Akan language, and (3) conduct a validity and reliability analysis on the Akan questionnaire. Methods: An English version questionnaire was developed and adequately translated into an Akan version according to the forward and backward translation protocols. The Akan questionnaire went through translator-approval and certification. Validity and reliability analysis were performed on the questionnaire. Statistical analysis for face validity involved the determination of average scores while content validity involved the determination of the content validity index. Regarding reliability analysis, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated for the test and retest periods of study. Results: A forty-five (45) membered Akan questionnaire was successfully developed and certified. The average scores for all parameters employed in the face validation were greater than 4. The content validity index was within the range of 0.90 - 0.99 while the Cronbach’s alpha for both test periods was within the range of 0.7808 - 0.9209. Conclusion: The Akan questionnaire had acceptable validity and reliability outcome. Therefore, the questionnaire was considered appropriate for assessing knowledge, awareness, and perception of Ghanaian women of prostate cancer.

Contraceptive and abortion practices of young Ghanaian women aged 15–24: evidence from a nationally representative survey

Background Young Ghanaian women experience high rates of unmet need for contraception and unintended pregnancy, and face unique barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services. This study provides a comprehensive national analysis of young women’s contraceptive and abortion practices and needs. Methods In 2018, we conducted a nationally representative survey of women aged 15–49, including 1039 women aged 15–24. We used descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic and multinomial regression to compare young versus older (25–49 year-old) women’s preferred contraceptive attributes, reasons for discontinuing contraception, quality of counseling, use of Primolut N-tablet, method choice correlates, and friends’ and partners’ influence. We also examined youth’s self-reported abortion incidence, abortion methods, post-abortion care, and barriers to safe abortion. Results Among Ghanaian 15–24 year-olds who had ever had sex, one-third (32%) were using contraception. Compared to older women, they had higher desires to avoid pregnancy, lower ever use of contraception, more intermittent sexual activity, and were more likely to report pregnancies as unintended and to have recently ended a pregnancy. Young contraceptors most commonly used condoms (22%), injectables (21%), withdrawal (20%) or implants (20%); and were more likely than older women to use condoms, withdrawal, emergency contraception, and N-tablet. They valued methods for effectiveness (70%), no risk of harming health (31%) nor future fertility (26%), ease of use (20%), and no effect on menstruation (19%). Infrequent sex accounted for over half of youth contraceptive discontinuation. Relative to older women, young women’s social networks were more influential on contraceptive use. The annual self-reported abortion rate among young women was 30 per thousand. Over half of young women used abortion methods obtained from non-formal providers. Among the third of young women who experienced abortion complications, 40% did not access treatment. Conclusions Young people’s intermittent sexual activity, desire for methods that do not harm their health, access barriers and provider bias, likely contribute to their greater use of coital-dependent methods. Providers should be equipped to provide confidential, non-discriminatory counseling addressing concerns about infertility, side effects and alternative methods. Use of social networks can be leveraged to educate around issues like safe abortion and correct use of N-tablet.

Self-Reported Accounts of Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatments: The Voice of Ghanaian Women

Background: In Ghana, the infertility prevalence rate continues to be high. To avert this phenomenon, individuals with fertility challenges access assisted reproductive technology (ART). This paper explores the experiences of women who have undergone ART treatments. Methods: Using a qualitative research design, the paper explores the self-reported account of 35 women who have gone through assisted reproductive technology procedures and awaiting to be tested for pregnancy. A semi-structured interview guide was utilised to explore women’s experiences. The thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data.Results: Findings from the study indicated that some women sought ART treatment to save their marriages from collapse while others indicated that pressure and demands from in-laws and families, as well as shame, forced them to utilise ART. Women who went through ART treatment services complained of the high cost of the treatment. As a result, some borrowed money from friends, family members, banks and in some instances sold their assets to pay for their treatments. Self-reported health implications such as anxiety, depression and changes in menstrual flows were reported by some women who went through the procedure. Other experiences such as sleeplessness, weight loss, joint pains, whole body pains, breast tenderness and bleeding were also reported. Women who went through the procedure also reported disruption in sexual life and daily routines activities.Conclusion: Undergoing ART treatment for infertility comes with experiences such as hospitalisation, disruption of work and daily activities, high cost, health and other implications. There is the need for patients to go through thorough counselling especially about the entire procedure and perceived implications associated with assisted reproductive technology treatments.

Their stories matter: understanding the experiences of spousal abuse among Ghanaian women in Toronto, Canada

The issue of spousal abuse among immigrant women in Toronto and the silence surrounding it is important to address because it is a problem that is often trivialized. This qualitative study involves semi-structured interviews with 10 intergenerational Ghanaian women living in the Greater Toronto Area who have been affected by spousal abuse. The interviews focused on their experiences, coping strategies, and the resources that helped or could have been helpful in their healing process. The study results indicate that there is a connection between spousal abuse and the development of depression, which confirms the findings from previous literature on spousal abuse. In addition, the study results also reveal that the lack of accessible information abroad was a barrier towards seeking help. Recommendations that may help Ghanaian women living in the Greater Toronto Area seek and utilize formal support and counselling services are presented. Key words: Access to services, Ghanaian women, mental health, resilience, spousal abuse

Their stories matter: understanding the experiences of spousal abuse among Ghanaian women in Toronto, Canada

The issue of spousal abuse among immigrant women in Toronto and the silence surrounding it is important to address because it is a problem that is often trivialized. This qualitative study involves semi-structured interviews with 10 intergenerational Ghanaian women living in the Greater Toronto Area who have been affected by spousal abuse. The interviews focused on their experiences, coping strategies, and the resources that helped or could have been helpful in their healing process. The study results indicate that there is a connection between spousal abuse and the development of depression, which confirms the findings from previous literature on spousal abuse. In addition, the study results also reveal that the lack of accessible information abroad was a barrier towards seeking help. Recommendations that may help Ghanaian women living in the Greater Toronto Area seek and utilize formal support and counselling services are presented. Key words: Access to services, Ghanaian women, mental health, resilience, spousal abuse

An Exploration of the Roles, Goals, and Social Interactions of Ghanaian Women

This ethnography study sought to explore the lived experiences of Ghanaian women from urban and rural areas, and their roles in society. Research has revealed that Ghanaian women are on the rise of independence and higher education. Empirical data has identified the popular jobs among Ghanaian women in rural and urban areas as well as how much they value education. Research has also identified the careers which are and are not respected in Ghanaian culture. This study took a unique glimpse into the lives of young Ghanaian college students’ and how aspirations and career goals for either gender is the same but differences exist in upbringing. Focus groups consisted of college students, ages 20-25. Native Ghanaian students from rural and urban area of Ghana. Research questions focused on the roles of Ghanaian women in society; specifically, their roles at home and work; their social relationships, specifically their interactions and friendships.Validation strategies include rich thick descriptions, member checking, and journaling. Atlas Ti was used for the data analyses and the following themes emerged; experiences of higher education, white collar jobs, feelings about financial stability, feelings and experiences about marriage and friendship, and the essence of independence. This exploration serves as a means to educate young African American women on the culture and values held so respectfully by Ghanaians which would be the land of many of our ancestors. This is an attempt to understand how Ghanaian women take on the challenge of laying a foundation for women to walk on while having to conform to what a male dominant society expects while still holding on to their own sense of power.