Methodology
The issue of female participation was analysed focusing on areas such as: income, economy, health, social structure, family and the role of women.
The project involved a field trip to Birim North District of the Eastern Region of Ghana during February 2006, where the growth of small-scale mining community has been very prominent.
The access to small-scale mining communities was negotiated via traditional chiefs of the area and leaders of artisanal miners.
Two villages were examined specifically - Ntronang and Noyem, where small-scale mining started about 2 years ago.
Interviews were carried out with miners, traders and farmers both men and women in the district as well as with representatives from local authorities and organisations. Interviews with non-English speakers, mostly women, were conducted with assistance of an interpreter.
In-depth interviews as well as group discussions were carried out; notes were taken during the interviews. Participant observation was also conducted at galamsey sites and villages, which provided means of getting acquainted with the lifestyles and work of women.
