Gender norms and implications on women's empowerment within the livestock and vaccines delivery systems: A multisite qualitative study in the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana

Women's empowerment is a critical driver of equitable and sustainable development, as recognized by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly #5 on gender equality and empowerment of women and girls [1]. Empowering women enhances household well-being, promotes economic growth, and builds resilient communities, directly contributing to other SDGs (#1—no poverty, #2—zero hunger, #3—good health and well-being, #11—reduced inequalities) [2–6]. Despite the significance of empowering women, gender inequalities remain pervasive across the globe, disproportionately affecting women's access to resources, decision-making, and economic opportunities [7,8].