Law and Women Empowerment Internship
As a Law Student I am always passionate about issues facing women in developing countries,
helping others and benefiting community as well as learning new skills and facing challenges,
hence the law and women’s empowerment internship in Ghana fulfilled these objectives.
On the 8th of August I flew to Accra to live with a local host family for three months and
undertake two individual placements, the former was with the Federation of Female Lawyers
and the latter took place with the Human Rights Office in Accra.
For the first part of the internship I worked with a team of about 15 other interns, alongside
some of the permanent Ghanaian staff. The interns were from all over the globe, but we got
on well and there was a friendly atmosphere which helped when starting out. I found it took a
while to get used to things and figure out what exactly I was doing, but thankfully everyone
else had been there longer than me and were happy to answer my many questions.
The general aim of the placement was to help raise awareness of human rights issues
affecting women and children in Ghana. Since gaining independence in 1957 Ghana has
signed every single human rights treaty that has come its way, but huge issues still remain at
grassroots level.
I was assigned a few projects on mobile outreach programs on law and human rights,
advocacy for gender sensitive legislation and research on socio-legal issues affecting women
and children. For the research project I specifically looked at intestacy rights, domestic
violence, child trafficking and attempted suicide as well as contributing to the Federation of
Female Lawyers annual report.
For projects such as intestacy rights and domestic violence, I researched and prepared
presentations on the given area of law which was then presented to local communities not far
from Accra. These were termed ‘outreaches’ and there were generally about 4 or 5 interns on
an outreach, each taking turns to deliver the presentation and also offer any advice during the
one-to-one clinics held afterwards.
Through the outreaches and clinics held I really felt like I was connecting with the local
communities, and also helping them through informing them about areas of law they weren’t
aware of. Impact assessments were held with communities that had been visited, with the
responses being very positive. I really got the impression that the Ghanaians are keen to
learn, and it was satisfying to see that I had been able to help even just one person during my
time there.
I also took part in advocating for Gender Sensitive Legislation which included engagement
with traditional and women leaders. I was involved in organizing meetings with traditional,
community and women leaders from the districts and Northern Region of Ghana. These
advocacy meetings/workshops were aimed at recognizing the engagement with traditional
and religious leaders who are essentially the custodians of traditions, cultures and beliefs in
dealing with sensitive issues as key in making impact in promoting total development of
women and young people. From this I became accustomed to the important role played by
traditional and religious leaders in shaping opinions and influence decisions, even at family
levels. Being a part of the community, they can make substantial contributions to promote the
well-being of families and communities. The workshops highlight laws on the rights of
Ghanaian women, sexual and reproductive health rights, laws on marriage and divorce, the
interstate succession law and gender based violence.
As part of the Federation’s initiative it is actively involved with external bodies such as the
Human Rights Office in initiating and sponsoring the review of laws and traditional practices
which negate the development and aspirations of women and children in the civil, educational
and business fields. Hence another part of my internship was focused on researching the Law
of Inheritance in Ghana, both in a surrounding law firm and at the Faculty of Law at the
University of Ghana; I actively participated in policy making discussions, amending sample
legislations on marriages in Ghana and attended a workshop at the Africa Institute for
Development Management.
Travel
There were opportunities to travel during weekends to other places of interest around Ghana.
It was a great way to learn more about the country and was always good fun when travelling
with other interns.
I was able to visit the village of Nzulezo, a village on stilts in the middle of a lake, to which
we travelled by canoe. I also enjoyed the tree top canopy walk at Cape Coast, where we
stayed in huts right next to the beach. There are lots of opportunities for travel, and although
it may take quite a few hours for you to reach your destination the memories and pictures are
certainly worth it!
My experience in Ghana was life-changing and eye-opening. Three months in Ghana had a
vast impact on my judgements and thoughts about Western Africa, its inhabitants and their
daily trials and tribulations. It was striking to see young children trading on the streets and
selling water sachets, instead of going to school to learn.
I found my work to be illuminating and greatly rewarding, and despite only being in Ghana
for three months I felt I was able to significantly contribute and help continue the great work
of the Federation in promoting women and children’s rights. For myself, this was something
unique and out-of-the-ordinary from which I learned a lot.