Experiences of women artisans in Ghana’s informal construction sector: the COVID-19 aftermath and its implications

Research on women’s progress in assuming roles and acquiring technical skills in men-dominated areas such as the informal construction sector is critical, particularly as the world strives to achieve gender equality and empower women in the post-COVID-19 era. This study assesses this in the context of young women who have entered the construction sector through the improved apprentice project in Ghana’s Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. Employing a qualitative methodology, we conducted in-depth interviews with 18 participants and utilised a theoretical perspective from feminist theory to examine the impacts of the pandemic on their advancement in this domain and its consequences for attaining Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. The paper analyses the findings and proposes policy suggestions, such as enhancing post-pandemic assistance for young women in this sector.