Amelia AmeDela Amemate

Gates Cambridge International Scholarship

Traditional Cultural Norms, Technology and Gender Relations in Ghana

Supervisor:

Dr Holly Porter, University of Cambridge Centre for Gender Studies

Abstract

Traditional cultural norms play a role in how gender is conceptualised, understood, and portrayed in African societies. Although feminism is not new in many African cultures, women and non-binary gender identities continue to be disadvantaged by discriminatory cultural systems and structures. Technology has become a significant aspect of feminist efforts that are changing cultural norms and gender relations in many African societies. But the impact of technology also holds negative consequences for African women and non-binary gender identities. Citizens of countries like Ghana have used social media to shut down sexuality education and homosexuality legalisation efforts. My aim is to conduct a doctoral research to understand the relationship between traditional cultural norms in Ghana, technology and Ghanaian peoples’ perceptions of gender equality and non-binary gender identities and relations. The study will specifically explore the patrilineal and matrilineal systems and structures of the Ewe and Akan people of Ghana, respectively. It will also look at how cyberfeminism is changing the cultural norms that these two ethnic groups uphold regarding gender through a qualitative research approach.

Academic Background:

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Political Science with Archaeology, University of Ghana, Legon

Master of Arts (Distinction) American Culture Studies, Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA

Graduate Certificate, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Bowling Green State University

Graduate Certificate, Ethnic Studies, Bowling Green State University

Research Interests:

Gender relations in African Cultures (with focus on Ghana), African feminism, Gender-Equality Activism, Cyberfeminism, Technology, Ethnic Identities, Racism, Tribalism, African Political Ideology and Development, Decolonialism, Hair and Beauty.