Islam and Gender in Dagbon

Abstract

Gender has become a central issue in world discourse. It is more so in Islam because there is a general perception that the theology of Islam is built on gender injustice. The Dagomba people of Ghana converted to Islam in droves after the conversion of their King, Naa Zangina in about 1700. Since then, Islam has become the state religion of the Dagomba people and all their customs and traditions have become underpinned by Islam, including the negotiation of gender. There is a palpable gender imbalance in Dagomba life and thought. But what factor(s) account for this gender imbalance? This study therefore sought to investigate and to find out the extent to which Islam is or is not responsible for the male-female dynamics in Dagbon. In doing this, a qualitative method of data collection was employed. Questionnaires were administered, in-depth interviews were conducted and focus group discussions were held. The descriptive research design was also used to interpret the primary data that was collected. It was found out that gender relations in Dagbon are heavily biased in favour of men. The Afanema, who are the guardians of Islamic lore, teach a theology of Islam that purports to subjugate women. This theology has become accepted norm. However, a few women are beginning to find their voices and to challenge male dominance. This research recommends that more women take up the role of mufassirs (interpreters of the Qur’an) in order to balance the male centered interpretations that pervade the society. Education is also a leveler and tends to give people a voice. If more girls would be educated, it would contribute to a greater awareness of the fact that more feminine voices can only contribute to the development of the society rather than retard it.