Women leading change: re-shaping gender in Ghanaian mines
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald Publishing Limited
Abstract
equality and diversity in the industry. Available literature lacks sufficient empirical evidence on the subject
matter in Ghana. Therefore, this paper aims to understudy women miners in Ghana and document their role
in recent change regimes in mine works gender profiles. An observed change that is stimulating a shift in
background dispositions leads to increasing number of women taking up mine jobs.
Design/methodology/approach – In working towards achieving the aim of the study, both qualitative
design and a multiple case study approaches are deployed. Four multinational Ghanaian mines and a mining
and technology university were used to understudy the women miners and their role towards a change in
mine work gender perspectives.
Findings – The results showed a regime of “ore-solidarity movement” (women in mining – Ghana). A kind
of solidarity identified conventionally as a social movement in active resource and self-mobilization, engaged
in a symbolic contestation for change of the status quo (dominant masculinity cultures) in furtherance of
gender equity and inclusion in milieu of mine works reforms in Ghana.
Originality/value – The study is of high scientific, political and public interest to better understand women’s
movements in the mining industries in Ghana and to frame them theoretically. It offers solid empirical evidence
on roles women miners play to ensure gender shape-shifting and liberalizing the mining space for women’s
participation. This move towards inclusive mining implies poverty eradication among women, work towards
achieving sustainable mining, competitiveness and assurance for gender-driven social innovative mining.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Social movements, Equal opportunities, Gender equality, Change regimes, Mine works, Women in mining-Ghana