Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in the Shea Value Chain Promoting Equal Opportunities for Women in the Shea Economy
The Challenge
Women are the backbone of the shea value chain in Northern Ghana, yet they often face barriers such as limited decision-making power, unequal access to markets, limited financial resources, and harmful social norms that restrict their participation in economic activities.
Without targeted interventions, many women remain excluded from opportunities that could significantly improve their livelihoods.
Our Intervention
Development Frontiers Women Cooperatives implemented the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Shea (GESI-SHEA) program to address these inequalities and strengthen women’s participation across the shea value chain.
The program focuses on:
- Gender awareness and community sensitization
- Women’s leadership development
- Strengthening women’s cooperatives
- Advocacy for inclusive policies
- Improving women’s participation in markets and decision-making
The Impact
The program has produced visible changes in participating communities:
- Women are now actively participating in cooperative leadership and decision-making.
- Community leaders have become more supportive of women’s economic roles.
- Women’s groups have strengthened their bargaining power in shea markets.
- Increased awareness of gender equality and social inclusion across communities.
Why It Matters
Empowering women in the shea sector does not only improve individual livelihoods—it strengthens entire communities.
When women are included in economic decision-making, households experience improved incomes, better nutrition, and stronger community development outcomes.
Partnership Opportunities
Partners can help expand this initiative by supporting:
- Community gender sensitization programs
- Women’s leadership training
- Advocacy initiatives promoting gender equality
- Expansion of inclusive shea value chain initiatives
