Between Tradition and Transformation: Community Voices on the Dipo Womanhood Rites in Yilo-Krobo, Ghana

Abstract

This study explored the contemporary relevance of the Dipo womanhood rites among the Krobo people in Yilo-Krobo Municipality, Ghana. Guided by interpretive and ethnographic approaches, the study employed semi-structured interviews with 30 purposively selected participants, including traditional leaders, youth, women who had undergone the rite and other community members. Thematic analysis was informed by relevance theory and argumentation theory to evaluate participants' support for or opposition to the Dipo ritual. Findings revealed that whereas some respondents regarded Dipo as a culturally significant rite of passage that instils discipline, identity and readiness for adulthood, others criticised it for being outdated and incompatible with modern values, education and gender equality. Tensions emerged between preserving tradition and adapting to socio-cultural change. The study underscores the symbolic importance of Dipo while calling for reforms that respect cultural heritage and address contemporary concerns around consent, education and girls' rights.