Influencing Factors Affecting Women Participation in Political Party Leadership in Northern Ghana

Abstract

This study explored factors that influence women participation in political party leadership in four constituencies of Tamale in the Northern Ghana of the Republic of Ghana. Quantitative research was employed along with questionnaire administered. Ordinary least squares method of regression with a dependent variable as women participation in political party leadership roles were applied. The independent variables were religious affiliations, educational background, financial status, and level of social stereotype as well as the leadership skills of the respondents. The results showed that religious affiliations, financial status and leadership of the women were positively related to women participation in political party leadership roles and statistically significant at 1% level. Also, social stereotype was found to be negatively related but statistically significant at 1% level of significance. Education was found to be negatively related but statistically insignificant. The study therefore recommends that political parties should support the women contestants financially and also set a minimum requirement, in terms of the educational level of women, to encourage and promote education among the younger ones. Political parties should also be admonished to take a second look at the quota system of governance to integrate more women into the political arena.