Enhancing Women’s Participation in Extractive Sector Governance

Executive Summary
Unlocking women’s potential in Ghana’s extractive sector for
equitable growth and sustainable development.
Objective of the Study
Ghana’s female workforce remains largely untapped in the extractive sector, with low
representation in high-level positions in the government’s regulatory institutions and on the boards of various employers in the sector. This limits the nation’s potential
to achieve equitable economic growth, sustainable development, and social
justice in the sector. Women’s exclusion from leadership roles and decision-making processes results in missed opportunities
for their input and perspectives in policy formulation and implementation, thereby
leading to suboptimal outcomes for the nation as a whole. The barriers identified as impeding women’s participation in the sector’s governance include lack of access to education and
training opportunities, discrimination and stereotypes, cultural and social norms, and inadequate legal frameworks. Women also face safety and security challenges,
especially in remote mining areas. These challenges not only limit women’s participation but also affect their safety, health, and well-being.