Negotiating Female Roles and Social Integration in the Church and Society: The Case of Ghanaian Women

Abstract

ln the Ghanaian communities women turn to play roles with men in wh.it ever situations they find themselves. Ghanaian women as church lean' combine traditional and contemporary roles. Church women combine church duties with their various professional duties and in this context I term these church women especially female clergy in other professions as "Tent" workers. Many women are wives, mothers, reverend ministers, ministers in politics, Chief justices at the supreme court, speakers of parliament, doctors, lawyers; farmers, traders, judges, secretaries, nurses, architects, engineers, lecturers, military women, among others. The study examines the theory of intersection of female/male duties as a theoretical frame using cases and historical analysis method. The structures within both the church and society lay emphasis on men than on women in the various sectors of life. After the 1970's, Ghanaian women have been leaders in the society, attaining other professions, combining duties, embarking on developmental projects, and generally, participating fully in almost all aspects of the society and church's activities. The conclusion is that women leaders in the church and society are combining their professions perfectly and I recommend their recognition.