Science as a Development Tool in Ghana: Challenges, Outcomes, and Possibilities for Women Academic Scientists

Abstract

This chapter examines how academic women scientists in Ghanaian universities situate and articulate their position in the development of science as a policy objective for higher education and sustainable development. It focuses on how political and economic conditions over the past two decades, and a persistent patriarchal institutional environment, impact the ability of women to effectively contribute to the scientific and technological development agenda in their society. It addresses how Ghanaian women scientists navigate these conditions, shape their own understandings, and situate a shared membership through community engagement. The study is based on semi-structured interviews of academic women scientists in three public universities in Ghana. Data analysis is informed and framed around feminist discourses on globalization and higher education in Africa.