Exploring Drivers of Occupational Choice Among Women in The Accra Metropolis

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at examining the factors that contribute to the educational attainment of women in the Accra metropolis, their level of educational attainment and their resulting occupation. The study employed a qualitative design, and a sample size of fourteen (14) women was selected randomly from ten (10) categories of occupation within the Accra metropolis. Face to face interviews were conducted with these women with the aid of an interview guide and life histories as research instruments. Content analysis was undertaken based on the objectives of the study. Results reveal that the principal factor contributing to the educational attainment of women in the Accra metropolis is the availability of financial support to fund their education. Parental influence guides women to select specific subjects which leads to their respective professions. As such, occupations like that in medicine and law require additional educational attainment to achieve. The results also revealed that the decision to go a step further to achieve a post-graduate degree is then characterised by factors such as parental support and existing role models in a woman’s life to provide encouragement. The results of the study further revealed that without the passion and drive to attain a higher level of education, some women remain content with whatever level they have achieved at an early stage in their life. The study recommends that in order to properly enhance comprehension and garner support for Gender Equality Policies, the gender equality and advocacy agenda should be directed at early stages of children’s development. Again, educational syllabi should contain gender programmes to tackle the issue of gender socialisation at an early stage.