Stepdaughters’ Oppression by Stepmothers and its Contribution to Gender Inequality in Ashanti, Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines stepmothers’ violence against stepdaughters in the Ashanti region of Ghana and its contribution to gender inequality. The paper is based on a longitudinal study that began in 2005 and lasted until 2016, with observations of stepdaughters for at least three years. The study revealed that stepmothers in the region subjected their stepdaughters to various forms of psychological, emotional, and physical oppression, leading to a negative impact on the stepdaughters' academic performance. Such ill-treatment often resulted in many of the girls dropping out of school. The study concludes that the actions of stepmothers in the region are a hindrance to gender equality, as the oppression subjects young women to a sense of inferiority. This paper highlights the need to address the issue of women's violence against other women as Ghana and other countries strive for gender equality. The paper utilizes a theoretical framework based on the concept of structural violence theory and its intersectionality with oppression and social stratification. Through primary source data collected from observations, interviews, and interactions with stepdaughters and stepmothers, the study found that the social status of stepmothers often contributed to the oppression of their stepdaughters, with both illiterate and elite women perpetrating such violence. The paper concludes by highlighting the importance of addressing such gender-based violence for promoting gender equality in Ghana and other parts of the world.