(iPoster) Gendered Socio-Legal Analysis on Mining Policies and Laws in Ghana

• In Event: Poster Session: Women and Politics

Abstract

The intersection of global standards and local realities in Ghana’s mining sector underscores the challenges and opportunities in promoting gender equity. While international frameworks emphasize human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development, local socio-legal structures often fail to reflect these ideals, particularly in the mining industry. This paper examines the gendered dynamics of mining policies and laws in Ghana, exploring the dissonance between global standards and local practices. Using a multi-method approach, including qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations, the paper highlights the socio-legal barriers women face, the impacts of corporate mining on women’s lives, and the policy gaps that hinder gender equality. Finally, it proposes actionable steps to bridge these divides and foster a more inclusive and equitable mining sector in Ghana.

Author

• Phil Faanu, McMaster University