Gender sensitivity of adult education activities of community-based organizations in Ghana

Gender and gender-related issues have threatened to disrupt the perceived community developmental outcomes community-based organizations (CBOs) strive to achieve. This is because women are viewed as 'second class' citizens of most patriarchal African communities. To understand how CBOs are transforming the uniqueness of women in development in Ghana, a field study was conducted with fifty-seven (57) CBO heads and twenty (20) heads of beneficiary groups to investigate the gender sensitivity of Adult Education (AE) activities of CBOs in the Akuapem North District and how these activities help in empowering women in various community activities. The issue of inclusion of women in AE activities by CBOs is generally agreed on in principle in the communities. It was agreed the AE activities empowered women to have self-confidence to take part in development work among others. Recommendations are that CBO policies to ensure gender equity in AE activities should be critically looked at and necessary changes be made to actively involve more women in community development and education work.