Changing Narratives of Sexuality

Abstract

This paper is derived from our larger project on policy discourses and practices on women's empowerment in Ghana by leading institutions and actors in the state, civil society and the donor community. The overall aim of the study is to understand and ultimately influence the conceptions of women's empowerment in Ghana, and the strategies and actions flowing from these. In this paper, we focus on the Ministry of Children and Women's Affairs (MOWAC), the designated central government agency for 'mainstreaming gender' into national development plans. Operationally, MOWAC sees itself as the coordinator and guide for other ministries and government agencies on gender issues and concerns. Textual analysis of MOWAC policy documents and in-depth interviews with differently located actors within the ministry allow us insights into interpretations of formal written policy and tacit working knowledges within the institution. In this investigation, we look for the explicit and implicit understandings of empowerment and dis empowerment that inform official policy and everyday practice within MOWAC and collaborating government agencies.