Essays on Philanthropy and Women Economic Empowerment in Ghana

Abstract

This study investigates the intricate relationship between philanthropy and women economic empowerment in Ghana, focusing specifically on financial inclusion and female labour force participation. Women's economic empowerment is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone for achieving gender equality and sustainable development, yet significant barriers persist in many developing economies, including Ghana. These include limited access to financial resources, discriminatory social norms, and low participation in the formal labour market. Philanthropy, emphasising voluntary giving and collective responsibility, emerges as a critical tool to address these challenges. Yet studies on the intersection between it and women's economic empowerment are limited or non-existent. By employing the Ubuntu African theory - a framework rooted in interconnectedness, community, and cultural relevance - this study provides a nuanced understanding of how philanthropic efforts can be harnessed to enhance economic opportunities for women. This study examines philanthropy’s role in women’s economic empowerment in Ghana through three essays: the effects of the works of corporate foundations on financial inclusion among women, the impact of philanthropy on female labour force participation, and the interconnections between philanthropic giving and financial inclusion among women in Ghana. Findings reveal that philanthropy provides significant contributions towards women’s economic empowerment in all the three dimensions in Ghana. Using data from 10 corporate foundations, 30 women, and 300 women, it finds that corporate foundations enhance financial inclusion, philanthropy boosts female labour force participation, and philanthropic giving significantly influences financial inclusion among women in Ghana. The research underscores the transformative potential of the Ubuntu philosophy in shaping philanthropy and women’s empowerment initiatives. This study contributes to the broader discourse on philanthropy and gender equality by providing empirical insights into the Ghanaian context.