Gender and Fertility Change in Ghana: Exploring the linkages

Abstract

Fertility rates have been declining in Ghana over the last two decades. According to estimates derived from the GDHS surveys, the total fertility rate in Ghana declined from 6.4 children per woman in the late eighties to 4 births in 2008 (GSS, 2009). Empirical data from developed and developing countries indicate that an acceleration of fertility decline can be achieved through a shift to more effective, modern, and long-term contraceptive methods. However the data for Ghana suggests that other factors apart from contraceptive prevalence may account for this fertility decline. One explanation may be to examine the inter relationship between women’s status and reproductive change. Inequality between men and women has direct demographic consequences in societies. Gender inequalities in families, mirrored in other levels of society can play an important role in reproductive decision making and fertility change. In Ghana, women's subordinate status in the family and society has been linked to high fertility and poor reproductive health, with obvious demographic consequences. The paper explores the relationship between fertility decline and changing gender relations and gender inequalities in Ghana particularly with respect to women’s access to and control over resources. It discusses how gender inequalities are manifested in reproductive behaviour and decision making and assesses the extent to which population policies take account of these issues which would enhance the situation of women. The paper recommends the need to promote gender equality at all levels of society, not only as a means to facilitate fertility decline and to improve the quality of people's lives, but more importantly, as a just end in itself.