Journal of Earth & Environmental Waste Management

Who's Work, Whose Power? Gendered Roles and Decision Making in Solid Waste Management in Tamale Metropolis

Abstract

Ibrahim Abubakari Imoro, Wilhemina Asare and Ebenezer Owusu Sekyere

Background Solid waste management (SWM) in urban Ghana is deeply gendered, with men and women assuming different roles shaped by cultural norms and structural inequalities. This study examines gender roles and decision-making dynamics in solid waste management (SWM) within Tamale Metropolis, Ghana.

Methodology Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with stakeholders such as the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

Results The findings reveal a clear gendered division of labour in SWM. At the household level, women predominantly engage in routine waste handling tasks, including sweeping, kitchen waste management, and sorting, while men are more involved in technical and disposal-related activities such as burning non-recyclables and recycling. At the community level, men dominate leadership, logistical, and infrastructure-related roles, whereas women focus on sorting, composting, and informal organizing. Decisionmaking processes demonstrate a mix of shared and gendered patterns: while many households report joint decisions, men often retain greater influence over strategic and resource-related actions. At the community level, decision-making is more inclusive, but men still lead in formal leadership roles. Women’s participation in leadership is constrained by cultural norms and structural barriers, though mentorship and training programmes have begun to provide opportunities for change.

Conclusion Overall, the results highlight persistent gender disparities in authority, leadership, and resource access, even within inclusive platforms.

Recommendations Addressing these inequalities through gender-sensitive policies, targeted mentorship, and improved access to financial and institutional support is essential to promote equity and enhance the effectiveness of SWM systems in the Metropolis.

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