American International Journal of Social Science

Non-Formal Education for Change: The Case of Nadowli Women in Ghana
Samuel Kofi Badu-Nyarko, Emmanuel Samba K Zumakpeh

Abstract
The effect of social change on women in Ghana is slow particularly among rural women. The rural woman is often marginalized, discriminated against and denied access to resources and education. In many instances, the cultural and traditional beliefs are used to justify or perpetuate these injustices. One area of tremendous change or revolutionary trend had been the use of education particularly non-formal education for development and skills acquisition. Today many rural women are asserting themselves and being empowered through this process. This article is an extract from a study on rural women in Nadowli district of Upper West region of Ghana to find out how their participation in non-formal education programmes had brought about positive socio-economic changes in their lives and families. It was found out that of the 180 women who were interviewed had benefited greatly from the programme in the areas of social, economic and political transformations. This has improved their self esteem, self confidence and leadership roles in the communities they live. The programme had empowered them in decision making at the household level and the community at large.

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