| dc.description.abstract | This study explores the factors affecting the participation and representation of Anlo Ewe women in local-level politics in the Keta Municipality of Ghana. Generally, the low representation and participation of women in politics and public life can be considered a global issue; however, its impacts are more pronounced in Africa. Ghana is no exception, despite joining international conventions and treaties and the constitutional arrangements that women should be fairly represented in politics at all levels, including decision making and public life. Several studies and researches have been conducted to ascertain some of the barriers or constraints that impact the representation and participation of women in decision making at the various levels and in public life in Ghana; however, the numbers remain discouraging, despite some improvements over the years. This demonstrates that the gender inequalities imbedded in the Ghanaian political processes are not remedied. In essence, this study aims to contribute to the existing literature on the subject. To achieve this, it will examine the factors affecting the participation of Anlo Ewe women in local governance in selected communities in the Keta Municipality, and the role of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) in these processes. In this study, I employ a qualitative research method. In order to address the research questions, I utilise the ethnographic case study approach. For this, I use data collection techniques, such as semi-structured interviews, observations, focus group discussion, analysis of documents from the Municipal education office and the Municipal assembly. Those interviewed included current and former assembly women in the selected communities and electoral areas, elders, traditional and opinion leaders, administrators, teachers, EPC clergy and members, both men and women in the community where data was collected and analysed on the factors that serve as barriers to women s participation in local governance at the study area and the role of the EPC. Three major factors emerged from this study as contributing to the participation of women in the local governance within the study area. These factors included a lack/low level of formal education, economic challenges and socio-cultural issues. It has been observed from this study that the socialisation processes among the Anlo Ewe define culturally and socially-accepted roles of the sexes of its members, which also creates the type of relationship that exists between the sexes. This relationship is believed to be underpinned by the principle of patriarchy that places men in positions of authority, while women occupy subordinate positions. This can be said to impact the educational attainment, economic viability and leadership in decision making and public life. Therefore, this study utilises the theory of intersectionality to explain how the aforementioned factors simultaneously impact the participation and representation of women in the study area in local governance and the concept of Cultural Hegemony. Moreover, it will demonstrate how the authority and the power of men are formalised in Anlo Ewe society. | eng |