Narratives of internal migration experiences, health/well-being issues among females working as head-porters (Kayayei) in Ghana

Ahmed Bawa Kuyini, Abdulai Abukari, Abdulai Kuyini Mohammed, Hughlett Omris Powell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore the internal migration experiences and health/well-being issues of 38 girls and women working as Kayayei (head-porters) in Accra, Ghana. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from seven focus group interview sessions, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: The results revealed the geographic, structural and family issues that promote increased migration of females to the cities. The findings betray the potential negative effects of migration on the participants’ quality of life, including accessing health services. They also suggest that the Kayayei phenomenon is a significant child protection, health/well-being concern yet to be given adequate attention in ways that consider the implications of such large internal migration of females on the overall human resource development capacities of rural communities. Originality/value: This is an original study with data collected to explore internal rural to urban migration and its effect on health and well-being of young girls and women.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)511-525
Number of pages15
JournalInternational Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Dec 2020

Keywords

  • Female migrant workers
  • Ghana
  • Health and well-being
  • Migration experiences

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