This volunteer program supports a research initiative that examines gender disparities in legal compliance among informal entrepreneurs in Ghana. The informal sector is a vital part of Ghana’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of people. However, many small businesses operate outside formal regulatory frameworks due to limited access to information, financial resources, education, and institutional support.

Women entrepreneurs often face additional challenges such as restrictive social norms, limited access to productive assets, and reduced opportunities for formal training. These barriers make it more difficult for women to comply with business regulations and access opportunities for growth. Our program seeks to better understand these challenges through research and community engagement, with the aim of supporting policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and improved legal compliance within the informal sector.

The program focuses on researching the readiness of informal entrepreneurs to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, with a particular focus on gender differences. Volunteers will assist with various stages of the research process.

Volunteer tasks may include:

• Supporting field research and community engagement with informal entrepreneurs

• Assisting with surveys, interviews, or data collection activities

• Helping organize information and research materials

• Supporting awareness activities related to business formalization and regulatory compliance

• Contributing to documentation, reports, or research summaries

Through these activities, volunteers will gain insight into grassroots economic development, gender issues, and informal sector dynamics.

Volunteers will be based in Accra, Ghana, working primarily in communities where informal businesses are common, such as local markets, small trading areas, and neighborhood commercial zones. These environments provide a vibrant view of everyday economic activity and community life.

Accommodation is typically arranged in shared volunteer housing near the project site. Volunteers will experience the local culture, cuisine, and community interactions while contributing to meaningful social research.

Volunteers will work closely with a small team that may include:

• Local researchers and project coordinators

• Community leaders and local organizations

• Informal entrepreneurs participating in the study

• Other international or local volunteers

This collaborative environment allows volunteers to engage directly with community members and gain practical research experience.

What we expect from volunteers:

• Interest in social research, gender equality, or community development

• Respect for local cultures and communities

• Willingness to work collaboratively and adapt to field conditions

• Basic communication and organizational skills

What volunteers can expect from us:

• Guidance and supervision throughout the project

• Opportunities to gain practical research and fieldwork experience

• Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

• Support in navigating the local environment and project activities

Volunteers are encouraged to bring personal essentials such as a laptop for documentation, notebooks for fieldwork, and appropriate clothing for a warm climate. No highly specialized equipment is required.