An Examination Of The Opportunities And Challenges Facing Women In Ghana’s Ministry Of Foreign Affairs And Regional Integration (2000-2019)

ABSTRACT Historical accounts from various countries globally have proven that women were exempt from officially participating in diplomatic activities until the early 1990’s. In Ghana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has helped implement Ghana’s foreign policy over the years. Although Ghanaian women have participated in decision making, management and development, not enough women in Ghana have played significant roles in politics and public service. Using the qualitative research method, this study looked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and found out how women have had the opportunity to serve there, their numbers in the past and their current representation, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face. Findings from the study indicate that women’s representation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional integration has improved over the years. Although there seem to be more women than men in the Ministry, more men occupy top positions than women. There was a general consensus that the only opportunity available to women that was not equally available to men was paid maternity leave. Opportunities available to women include recruitment and promotions, as these are based on merit from entrance examinations and interviews. Some of the challenges identified included appointments being more favourable to men, work life balance and sexual harassment particularly of women. Additionally, cultural factors hinder women’s advancement due to difficulties for the husbands of female officers to follow them on postings abroad, which has resulted in several cases of infidelity and divorce. A key finding was that, there was no real consensus as to whether or not the Ministry had any policies concerning sexual harassment. Recommendations include making the working environment within the Ministry more sensitive to the family, work life balance, enhancing inclusiveness of males in family life by increasing paternity leave, developing and implementing a sexual harassment policy and committee to address issues pertaining to sexual harassment. Furthermore, data should be made available for further research in the area.