MALE DOMINANCE: EXPERIENCES OF MARRIED WOMEN IN THE MOZANO COMMUNITY IN THE GOMOA WEST DISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL REGION, GHANA

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of married women concerning male dominance in Mozano. The study sought to ascertain the ways married men dominate their wives in the Mozano community, explore the factors responsible for male dominance in the Mozano community and to assess the effects of male dominance on married women. The researcher adopted phenomenological design with qualitative approach using interviews and Focus Group discussions to get data for the study. The study revealed that most men in Mozano community dominate their wives in the area of reproduction because most women are ignorant of their reproductive right. The men decide on the number of times they will have sex, the number of children they will have and when to have a child without the consent of their wives. Most men see no need to involve their wives in decision making because they think women on their own cannot take or contribute to any meaningful or responsible decision. Religious factors and the doctrines of the Mozama Disco Kristo church have contributed to male dominance on married women in the community. Lack of descent and profitable jobs for women in the community have made them economically vulnerable and dependant on their husband for their survival, hence being dominated by their husbands. It was also revealed that married women who are dominated by their husbands face psychological and emotional challenges which have given them sleepless night with its associated diseases such as headache, stress and depression. Married women who resist attempt of domination are faced with beatings and are threatened with divorce. It was therefore recommended that married women in the Mozano community should make a personal choice to develop their capabilities to the maximum despite cultural and religious obstacles. There is also the need for gender education by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to organise seminars and symposia for men in the Mozano community on the need to involve their wives in decision making at all levels. The National Council of churches should emphasize the need for men and women to participate in decision making and prohibits religious activities, doctrinal teachings and practices which entrenched male dominance over women.