INTERFACES Colloquium Series - #7

On 20 March, 2025, the INTERFACES colloquium was presented by Prof. Akua Opokia Britwum from University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Her contribution was entitled “Gendered Tensions in Rural Livelihoods and Development Interventions” and was one of INTERFACES’ contributions to International Women’s Day. Over 25 participants listened to Prof. Britwum’s overview of historic approaches to gender studies in small-scale agriculture, different perspectives taken to accelerate action and alternative lenses to approach the problem of disadvantages faced by women. A particular focus was on land tenure issues which demonstrate the difficulties women face in accessing land and labour, especially in Ghana, given the diversity of legal situations depending on ethnicity and location. The discussion provided room for further discussion, touching upon issues such whether and how women benefit from economic productivity, questions of land heritage, industrial or contract farming situations and labour dynamics in rural areas. The participants valued Prof. Britwum’s long experience in the field of gender and labour studies and truly appreciated how she shared her insights.