Exploring the contributions of the Labour Intensive Public Works (LIPW) program to rural women in Tano South Municipality

The research examines the contributions of the Labour Intensive Public Works (LIPW) program to rural women in the Tano South Municipality of Ghana by utilizing the Longwe Women Empowerment Framework as an analytical lens. The research was aimed at assessing the implementation strategies, explore experiences of participating rural women, as well as provide possible recommendation for enhancement of the program. The study adopted a qualitative approach employing semi structured interviews with purposively sampled participants comprising of both program implementers and women beneficiaries of the LIPW program. Findings of the study revealed that the LIPW program contributed positively to the welfare and economic wellbeing of women in rural areas in Tano South through the provision of employment opportunities and skill development training. Study participants reported an improvement in material wellbeing, increased self confidence and a shift in their socio cultural perspective demonstrating progress in the Welfare, Access and Conscientization levels of the Longwe Women Empowerment Framework. The research findings however revealed some challenges such as, low remuneration, limited participation in decision making processes and physical demands of work hindering deeper levels of empowerment particularly in the aspects of control. The research highlights the need for enhanced training that will women into long term empowerment, adequate remuneration and increased involvement of women particularly women in rural settings involved in government interventions in program design and implementation to achieve sustainable empowerment. Findings recommend addressing identified gaps can increase the positive contributions of the program, fostering increased gender equality and significant gender parity and long term empowerment.