Gender Bias and Continuous Professional Development: Experiences of Ghanaian Policewomen

Abstract

Policewomen in African countries, especially Ghana, have a unique experience in continuous professional development (CPD). This study explored gender bias in the CPD of policewomen in Ghana. This study adopted an exploratory qualitative study and phenomenological research design to capture the gender bias associated with the CPD experiences of policewomen in Ghana. Eighteen (18) lower and middle-ranked policewomen were purposively selected and interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using the thematic analytic framework. Our findings demonstrate that discrimination in CPD opportunities, gendered power dynamics, workplace intimidation, and gender roles and responsibilities foster gender bias in the CPD of policewomen in Ghana. The management of police organizations could ensure structural reforms, equitable access to CPD opportunities, and a workplace culture that values the inclusivity and well-being of policewomen.