African Journal of Gender and Women Studies

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN: 2736-1578, Vol. 10 (8), pp. 001-013, August, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Gendered Dynamics of Transnational Living: A Narrative Inquiry of Ghanaian Couples

Rodlyn Remina Hines, PhD, CFLE, CFCS-HDFS

SUNY Empire State University, New York. 

Abstract

Received 11 June, 2025; Revised 15 15 June, 2025; Accepted 21 July, 2025 and Published 13 August, 2025

This article examines the gendered dimensions of transnational living among Ghanaian immigrant couples who maintain marital relationships across international borders. Using a narrative inquiry methodology—specifically, in-depth life story interviews—and grounded in symbolic interactionism, gender theory, and intersectionality, the study explores the lived experiences of ten spouses—five women and five men—who live apart between Ghana and the United States. Data were collected between 2021 and 2022. Participants’ narratives reveal that while both men and women experience emotional and relational strain, these experiences are shaped in distinctly gendered ways. Women report heightened emotional labor, persistent expectations of fidelity, and long-distance caregiving responsibilities, while men describe social pressure to remarry and a disrupted sense of authority within the marital relationship. These gendered strains are exacerbated by irregular visitations, remittance obligations, and communication breakdowns. The study situates these narratives within broader Ghanaian cultural norms that prioritize male authority and female responsibility for kin care, while also examining how transnational conditions destabilize—but do not erase—those norms. By centering personal stories, the article illuminates how gendered power operates across space, distance, and cultural systems. While limited by a small sample size and the focus on Ghana-U.S. couples, the study offers practical implications for transnational family counseling and support services. This research contributes to feminist and migration scholarship by advancing understanding of how gender, place, and transnationalism intersect to reshape intimacy, responsibility, and identity in global family life.

Keywords: Gender and Migration; Transnational Families; Narrative Inquiry; Ghanaian Immigrants; Transnational Intimacy.
 

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN: 2736-1578, Vol. 10 (7), pp. 001-010, July, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Review

Polygyny and Women's Reproductive Autonomy in Nigeria: A Critical Examination

Omolade Olomola

Department of Private and Business Law, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +2348037176520.

Accepted 13 April, 2025

This article was guided by the identification of the challenges caused by polygyny as it relates to the reproductive health rights of women in Nigeria. Reproductive rights are not matters of choice but they are matters of life and death. Many women have died as a result of maternal morbidity and maternal mortality because they could not make informed right choices about when and how to have children. According to The National Programme Director of the Partnership for the Transforming Health System (PATHS) Nigeria is second in world maternal mortality, after India, which has the highest maternal mortality rate; and in totality contributes 10% to the world’s total maternal death. He reiterated further that statistics had also shown that Nigeria contributed only two per cent to the world population, but had one of the highest child and maternal mortality in the world. The study is conducted by examining on a comparative basis looking at the challenges of a multi-cultural country like Nigeria and what we can do to curb the upsurge of polygyny. Focus will also be on the way to protect women that are already in polygyny and to gradually discourage the practice the legislation and registration of all marriages. Legislations, case law and writings of legal scholars are compared and culture will act as a gauge. There is no doubt that Nigerian culture is far from being perfect. Culture is dynamic and the barometer for gauging any society’s progress is the extent to which it can decide on what to borrow and what to retain or throw away thus every culture needs to be liberated. This article lays a foundation for further research into reproductive right and also contributes to a better understanding of women’s rights as peculiar rights.

Key words: Patriarchy, polygyny, reproductive rights, sexual rights, sexual health, sexuality.
 

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN: 2736-1578, Vol. 10 (6), pp. 001-014, June, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Closing the Gap: Assessing the State of Women's Advancement in South African Organisations

Karl Hofmeyr¹* and Cindy Mzobe²

¹Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, 26 Melville Road Illovo Johannesburg, South Africa.
²Commercial Business Manager at PetroSA, Frans Conradie Drive, Parow, 7500, South Africa.

Accepted 22 April, 2025

This article explores factors that influence the advancement of women organisations in South Africa. Based on the sample of women working in different industries, this article investigates the barriers which they have to overcome to break into the executive ranks. Issues such as the dual roles played by women, the perception amongst some that men are “born leaders” and gender discrimination are investigated. The extent to which certain enabling factors are in place in organisations which support women advancement is assessed. The psychological effects that women experience as a result of stereotypes and barriers are also studied. The article proposes solutions to the challenge of the advancement of women and indicates on the basis of the research whether real progress is being made in South African organisations. It concludes with practical steps for leaders in organisations.

Key words: Affirmative action, employment equity, women in leadership.
 

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN: 2736-1578, Vol. 10 (5), pp. 001-009, May, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Empowering Women, Empowering Nigeria: Economic Participation as a Catalyst for Development

Ekesionye E. N* and Okolo A. N

Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

Accepted 3 January, 2025

The objective of the study was to examine women empowerment and participation in economic activities as tools for self-reliance and development of the Nigerian society. Research questions and hypothesis were used to guide the study. Structured questionnaire was used as the major instrument for data collection. Copies of questionnaires were administered to 402 women randomly selected from 6 out of the 21 local government Areas of Anambra State. 351 copies of questionnaire recovered were analyzed using mean to answer the research questions and t-test statistic to draw inferences about the hypothesis. The results showed that: farming, trading, craft, food processing, hair dressing, poultry and the likes were the major economic activities performed by women in Anambra state. Personal savings, family assistance, philanthropist’s assistance, loans and credits, cooperative society assistance, group contributions, were the sources of fund available to the women for their economic activities. Education and health promotion, food supply and distribution, were some of the services rendered by the women that bring about societal development. Inability of government to provide support, corruption on the part of implementers, family burden, cultural restrictions, husband influence, illiteracy were the obstacles women encounter in carrying out their economic activities. Provision of sustainable land tenure system, provision of soft loans and credits, training programmes, funding, establishment of cooperative societies, were some of the strategies proffered to enhance women participation in economic activities.

Key words: Women empowerment, economic activities, self-reliance, societal development.

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN: 2736-1578, Vol. 10 (4), pp. 001-010, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Kukumbira and the Evolution of Shona Marriage: A Case Study in Changing African Philosophies

Munyaradzi Mawere1* and Annastacia Mbindi Mawere2

1Department of Humanities, Faculty of Social Sciences, Universidade, Pedagogica, CP49, Xai-xai, Mozambique.
2Graduate Teacher, Chadzamira High School, Gutu, Zimbabwe.

Accepted 11 November, 2024

This paper is a philosophical examination of African forms of marriage, particularly the customary marriage practice of Kukumbira (asking for a bride/woman’s hand in marriage from her parents, but with her informed consent) and adopts the Shona ethnic group of Zimbabwe as a case study. It investigates the perception of the Shona people towards the customary practice of Kukumbira. To establish the receptivity of the traditional African marriage custom, Kukumbira, a study was conducted. Fifty persons (30 females and 20 males) from Masvingo and Manicaland provinces participated in the study. Ad questionnaire comprising closed and open items was used as a data collection tool. Data was summarized by means of frequency tables and analyzed qualitatively using evaluative descriptions. An overwhelming majority of respondents cited heft bride wealth charges, colonial legacy and modernity as reasons for the daunting of the custom, kukumbira, yet they wanted the custom to continue on the grounds that it is a valuable part of their culture, respects women’s human rights, stresses prohibition of pre-marital sexual conducts and that it reinforces family ties/links. However, the respondents pointed out that the custom should not be commercialized as heft bride wealth leads to commodification of women. Those who favored abolishment of the custom and other forms of marriage where lobola is paid were a minority. They relegated the custom on grounds that it is at odds with gender equality that contemporary women are fighting for. They also perceived kukumbira and other forms of marriage where lobola is paid as institutions of patriarchy intended to serve males not the women concerned. This study concluded that respondents generally viewed the custom positively although they noted that it is vulnerable to be abuse by some parents who charge heft bride wealth as well as by some husbands and in-laws who abuse the married women’s rights on grounds that they bought her at a price. In view of this conclusion, it was recommended that the custom of kukumbira should be maintained but in such a manner that it builds affinity and social capital between families rather than creating animosity between them, and it do not expose women to abuse in marriage but respects their human rights.

Key words: Customary marriage practice, Kukumbira, Shona, relevance, lobola, Zimbabwe, Africa.
 

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN: 2736-1578, Vol. 10 (4), pp. 001-011, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Article

Gender, Land Tenure, and Security in South Africa: Challenges from a Critical Security Perspective

Lefatshe A. Moagi

Department of Political and International Studies Rhodes University. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 26 November 2024

As a result of the inequalities of social exclusion by the Apartheid regime, the women of South Africa declined to carry pass (compulsory identity document carried by women) in 1956. Finally their protest to be recognised not only as house wives belonging in the kitchen were a success, this meant that they were part of the decision making in the country. The euphoria experienced by the South African society in 1994 with democracy, brought with it policy reformation and transformation and also uniting the different cultures. Under the transformation umbrella the ANC government made its task to address policies that fostered inequality and damaged the social aspects of the country and divided it. This resulted in restructuring social policies that also included land policies which were to be a priority. Land in Africa has been considered as the most important in all (social) aspects. This report will look at the government policies on land redistribution and land tenure security with a gender perspective. Looking at mechanisms, criteria and approaches that government of South Africa has taken to address and promote the distribution by access of land to women. Particular attention should be paid to undoubtedly the land reform policies designed by the government; however gender equality should still be at the forefront of government legislation. Gender equality on land reform process should be viewed as the most important aspect of poverty alleviation and sustainable development within the South African society.

Key words: Gender, land tenure security, South Africa’s land reform policies, critical security studies.