The Effects Of Gender-Based Violence On The Socio-Economic Status Of Women In Ghana

ABSTRACT

The 1992 Constitution of Ghana has provisions that follow the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, making particular reference to the rights of women and violence and discrimination against women, such as the Domestic Violence Act (Act 732) which was passed in 2007. Despite all well-intentioned constitutional provisions for women’s rights, however, gender-based violence is still prevalent in Ghana. This dissertation researches the effects of gender-based violence on the socio-economic status of women in Ghana. The Feminist Security Theory (FST) was employed for this study because it covers every aspect of what this research is about, and because it derives from the International Relations theory of Feminism. FST provides clarity on what security means to women globally. It focuses on security during peace and war, and also on the security of women from the level of the state to their individual domestic lives. The dissertation adopted the qualitative research design to gather data. A sample size of twenty four participants who have ever experienced gender-based violence as well as a professional from DOVVSU were used in the research. They were interviewed using semi-structured interview guides. Findings from the research revealed that gender-based violence causes fear, lack of self-esteem, low worker productivity and poor physical health among Ghanaian women. It also revealed that a great number of Ghanaian citizens are unaware of the Domestic Violence Act which protects women from gender-based violence, and that most victims do not report cases due to interference from relatives, fear of being ostracised and poverty. The thesis recommends nationwide education and awareness creation on the Domestic Violence Act, and that the Domestic Violence Fund be allocated to the DOVVSU to help in the smooth running of the Unit, and cater to the needs victims of gender-based violence.