Gender Perspectives on Social Protection Measures in Conflict Management From the Oti and Volta Regions of Ghana

Abstract

A number of conflict hotspots as old as the ages of the communities themselves, can be associated with the communities of the Oti and Volta Regions of Ghana respectively. These hotspots have conflicts that need to be sustainably managed so they do not lead to frequent violent situations. The term conflict management according to this study encompasses all activities that prevent and manage conflicts in a non-violent way. The study examined the gender perspectives of social protection measures available to these communities in times of conflict management. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Narrative thematic analysis was used in bringing out key issues related to the study. Perspectives on social protection measures available to communities revealed several forms in the current study. The results revealed that there has been high support for social protection received from some governmental and Non-Governmental Institutions as well as religious groups and leaders. The social protection forms came from the pockets of benevolent government workers, appropriate agencies, the Peace Council, individuals in the conflict hotspots, and international donors. Gendered perspectives of social protection revealed social protection measures with a gender focus and social protection measures without a gender focus. The study also indicated that some external organizations or institutions have disappointed the communities as they never followed up on promises they made in response to social protection requests from the communities in times of conflict.