#Research
Researcher Lead, Planner
Team
Individual
Scope
Master plan to Schematic Design
Timeline
4 months
Client
Thesis of Master of Design in Sustainable Enviroment
Gender roles define the activities, responsibilities, and rights deemed appropriate for men and women by society. In Africa, these roles vary widely across its diverse cultures, but women have generally been subordinate to men in both public and family life. In Northern Ghana, the concept of “think leader/think man” is deeply rooted, shaped by religious influences on indigenous culture.
This research examines gender boundaries in Northern Ghana and highlights the importance of empowering women to improve education and child health outcomes. At the same time, it emphasizes the need for male participation in development plans to ensure lasting change.
The Asset-Based Integrated Rural Development Plan focuses on leveraging existing community assets to create inclusive, multi-sectoral solutions for key challenges like water, health, education, and food, involving all members of society for sustainable progress.
Read the Thesis
Highlights
Extensive Field Research & Engagement – Collaborated with local communities, women leaders, and NGOs to identify opportunities, challenges, and gender disparities.
Data & GIS Analysis – Mapped resource distribution, migration trends, and economic activities to inform sustainable planning.
Work Across All Levels of Development – Focused on leveraging existing systems, creating development strategies, and integrating sustainable design solutions.
Gender-Inclusive Solutions – Designed initiatives to empower women economically while engaging men in cooperative-based sustainable practices..
Community-Centered Design – Developed an asset-based framework that integrates education, healthcare, economic growth, and resource management.
High Impact & Scalability – Proposed a replicable and adaptable model for rural areas with similar socio-economic challenges.
The Background
Northern Ghana faces deep-rooted gender inequalities and economic disparities compared to the southern regions. Women handle most household and agricultural labor but lack land ownership and decision-making power. Many girls migrate south for work due to limited educational opportunities. The study examines historical influences, religion, and colonial legacies that have shaped gender roles and economic barriers.
What was the goal?
To develop an asset-based, community-driven model for sustainable rural development in Northern Ghana, focusing on gender equity, economic empowerment, and resource integration. The study aimed to:
Leverage local assets for self-sustaining growth.
Empower women economically while engaging men in development.
Reduce rural migration by creating local job opportunities.
Implement scalable, culturally aligned solutions for education, healthcare, and economic stability.
The goal was to replace aid dependency with sustainable, community-led progress.
The Research
A multi-scalar research model was used to analyze individual, communal, systematic, and global influences on gender roles and rural development. Methods included:
Interviews with Ghanaian natives and NGOs.
Case studies on economic and social policies affecting rural communities.
GIS analysis of resource distribution, migration, and employment trends.
Historical review of religious and colonial impacts on gender inequality.
Findings emphasized the need for an integrated, locally driven development model addressing economic opportunities, education, and gender inclusion.
Define
Design
A cooperative-based system was structured to connect rural communities with national and international markets, ensuring financial stability and long-term sustainability. Key components include:
Shea Butter Production Hub – Women-led microeconomic activity.
Education Centers – Primary and secondary schooling, adult literacy.
Healthcare Facilities – Maternal health programs, water sanitation education.
Community Kitchens – Nutrition-focused meal programs employing local women.
Water Purification Systems – Addressing clean water access.
An assessment trip was proposed to refine the model based on on-site observations and local participation.
Reflection
This project highlights the importance of integrating cultural, economic, and social factors in sustainable development. The research reinforced the need for inclusive development models that empower communities from within rather than relying on external aid. The experience strengthened my ability to conduct large-scale research, lead interdisciplinary projects, and propose systemic design solutions that drive real social change.
A key lesson from this project was that change cannot be imposed on a community; it must come from within, through a bottom-up approach. Effective development must also be inclusive, engaging all genders—men and women alike—to ensure sustainability. By leveraging existing community assets, the solutions become self-sustaining, continuing to thrive even after external support is removed. This holistic, inclusive approach is vital for lasting impact.