Democracy and the Rise of Women's Movements in Sub-Saharan Africa

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments 䉬•䉬 This book would not have been possible without the help and support of countless individuals. I am particularly indebted to everyone in Ghana who o¤ered their time and energy for interviews or surveys. Interview respondents were forthcoming , welcoming, and helpful. I am grateful for their thoughtful responses. I am also thankful to the chiefs and their townships, along with the women who participated, for allowing me to conduct the surveys. Everyone’s incredible generosity allowed for a greater understanding of what democratization meant to them. Esther Baah Amoako, Nana Apt, Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf, Dzodzi Tsikata, Takyiwaa Manuh, Kathy Cusack, Akosua Darkwa, and Nana Abbam were particularly helpful and giving with their time, as well as in providing contacts and feedback. They pushed my research forward and o¤ered guidance and support when needed. The generosity of my host family in Ghana, the Baahs, cannot be measured. They took me in without question, they treated me as family, and they always looked out for my well-being. They were central to my fieldwork success . I appreciate all of the support given in the writing process. York Bradshaw, Robert Robinson, Bill Corsaro, Beverly Stoeltje, and Gracia Clark read many drafts and provided me with invaluable feedback. Aili Mari Tripp, David S. Meyer, Paul Almeida, and Je¤ Haydu encouraged me and my research. Suzanne Staggenborg , Jocelyn Viterna, and Brian Powell, in particular, gave detailed advice, suggestions, and support. I value the time they gave me more than they could know. Alyssa Clutterbuck played an essential role in helping to assemble the book. Liam Swiss, Julie Moreau, and Anna-Liisa Aunio provided backup support. The reviews and guidance provided by the Johns Hopkins University Press and the detailed copyediting by Susan Lantz were invaluable. Many helped me brainstorm for titles: Brian Powell, Elaine Weiner, Giovani Burgos, Alyssa Clutterbuck, Cli¤ord Bob, Lisa Carol, Wellington Bowler, and Jocelyn Viterna. Thank you. This project could not have been completed without financial support from the Foreign Language Area Studies Fellowship, the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship, the Institute for the Study of World Politics Dissertation Fellowship, the National Science Foundation’s Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Award, Fonds Québécois de las Recherche sur las Société et la Culture, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. All of these awards allowed me to improve my Twi and make continued research trips to Ghana. Finally, without the support of my family, I would not have been able to pursue my research. I am grateful to my parents and to my sister and her family for their encouragement. I am particularly indebted to Giovani Burgos, who supported me and my research while also taking over during my time away. I am also thankful to Santiago Burgos-Fallon, who tolerated my absence. viii a c k n o w l e d g m e n t s ...