Gender and cultural regeneration in indigenous drumming in Ghana: towards a gender-inclusive, regenerative cultural policy rethinking

This paper argues for gender inclusivity within indigenous drumming activities in Ghana due to its significance for cultural regeneration. Indigenous drumming in Ghana, an essential cultural practice, has historically marginalised women due to patriarchal traditions. However, this phenomenon is yet to receive scholarly attention. Drawing on the qualitative approach, the paper relied on the 2004 cultural policy of Ghana, participant observation and interviews with female master drummers to interrogate gender discrimination in cultural policy and indigenous drumming practices and their influences on the experiences of female master drummers. The goal is to propose a more gender-inclusive, regenerative cultural policy. Findings reveal significant barriers faced by women in participating in drumming, accessing leadership roles and training in drumming spaces, although recent shifts indicate growing female participation, especially in urban areas. Findings further highlight the need for a rethinking of cultural policy to dismantle these patriarchal barriers and promote gender inclusivity, ultimately supporting sustainable cultural regeneration.