This paper attempts to clarify the trend in the inverse relationship in increasing age at first marriage and simultaneously declining fertility rates generally in Ghana, using examples of two... Show moreThis paper attempts to clarify the trend in the inverse relationship in increasing age at first marriage and simultaneously declining fertility rates generally in Ghana, using examples of two coastal Ghanaian communities - Brenu Akyinim (Central region) and Abuesi (Western region). Two sets of data used for this study include empirical data derived from the first round of the Diffusion of Fertility Behaviour Survey; and the second set of data is obtained from Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) conducted on four groups randomly selected from current cohorts of panel survey respondents homogenous by age and sex. Data analysis shows that changes in fertility rates are socially embedded; the mechanisms through which these occur are identified. The paper further provides an understanding of how the socio-economic power play in gender relations leads to particular fertility rate outcomes between the two villages. Of essence here is the role of marriage and stable unions. Our data further shows that there are significant differences in reproductive behaviour between the two villages, and it appears that economic activity bears the closest relationship to the differences observed. Show less
This thesis explores the postwar reintegration strategies of young women who had forcibly become affiliated with one of the fighting factions during the ten years of civil war in Sierra Leone.... Show moreThis thesis explores the postwar reintegration strategies of young women who had forcibly become affiliated with one of the fighting factions during the ten years of civil war in Sierra Leone. Instead of conceptualizing reintegration as the result of policies, the author defines it as the dynamic process that revolves around the (re-)establishment of relations between the individual and social networks. The thesis seeks to understand how the local meaning of the social identities 'youth' and 'female gender' affect the course of this process. It demonstrates how the social and cultural identity of the women as either daughters or wives influenced their decision to return or not to their former community and how they constantly have to negotiate their social identities in the community in order to integrate into new networks. Data collected during six months of fieldwork in Sierra Leone in 2003-2004 provide the basis for describing how reintegration is highly diversified and contextual. [ASC Leiden abstract] Show less
This study examines in what ways and to what extent microfinance services facilitate the empowerment of married rural women in Nebbi district, northwestern Uganda. In particular, it examines the... Show moreThis study examines in what ways and to what extent microfinance services facilitate the empowerment of married rural women in Nebbi district, northwestern Uganda. In particular, it examines the gender relations inherent in the livelihood practices of the community, the changes in well-being (if any) of the recipients of microfinance, and the ways in which changes in well-being are translated into changes in gender relations at the household and community levels. Using the sustainable livelihood approach, empowerment was measured at two levels, viz. the livelihood endowment status, and the livelihood entitlement status. The analysis reveals that microfinance did not make any significant change in the well-being status of clients. However, microfinance significantly facilitated women's empowerment at the individual, intrahousehold, and community levels. In this way, women's agency has sparked their struggle to engender livelihood practices. [ASC Leiden abstract] Show less
