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

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.

The Health Experiences of Young Internal Migrants in Ghana—Identifying Priorities for Sustainable Health Promotion

“…Increases in the numbers of girls and young women migrating to cities have been particularly pronounced, with many girls taking-up work as head-porters (known as Kayayei). Many of these girls are poorly educated and are often exposed to multiple intersecting disadvantages that affect their health [ 6 , 31 ].…”

“…Poor work and housing conditions place young migrants (both internal and international) at greater risk of contracting communicable diseases including malaria and sexually transmitted infections [ 6 , 30 ]. Access to health care services is also limited with evidence suggesting that few migrants in Ghana have access to appropriate health insurance and are unable to register for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) [ 32 , 33 ].…”

“…Despite such recognition, very little work has focused on the vulnerabilities and inequities experienced by children and young people (below the age of 24 years) who migrate (both internally and across national borders)—and crucially, from their own perspectives; [ 2 , 3 , 4 ] including how migration decisions and journeys shape opportunities for positive health and social inclusion. Even less work has focused on the opportunities for health promotion with migrant groups or indeed explored the health-enhancing or hindering practices that young migrants engage with in their everyday lives (some exceptions include [ 5 , 6 ]).…”

“…Yet, little work has sought to examine the relationship between mobility, health and poverty—particularly for young people [ 9 ]. Evidence to date suggests that migrant groups are often exposed to a range of risks and vulnerabilities including poor living and working conditions, lack of access to adequate shelter, food and health care, coupled with exposure to exploitation, discrimination and abuse [ 6 ]. Inevitably, such exposures have been found to result in poorer health status and unmet health needs [ 10 ], with migrants at greater risk of communicable diseases and mental health issues.…”

Factors Influencing Contraceptives Use among Female Migrants in Ghanaian Cities, A case of Kayeyei in the Kumasi Metropolis

“…Head porting in turn is serving as a pull factor attracting young girls from the rural areas of Ghana into the cities. Kuyini et al (2020) investigated the nexus between female migration, kayayei and health wellbeing and found that geolocation development inequality and family issues promote migration of young females from the rural to urban areas in Ghana. The study identified some adverse effects of such migration patterns on the quality of accessing health services by the young female immigrants.…”