International Social Work
2018

Understanding female migrant child labor within a cumulative risk framework: The case for combined interventions in Ghana (Article in Press)

Bermudez L.G.* , Bahar O.S. , Dako-Gyeke M. , Boateng A. , Ibrahim A. , Ssewamala F.M. , McKay M.
  • a Columbia University, United States
  • b Washington University in St. Louis, United States
  • c University of Ghana, Ghana
  • d University of Ghana, Ghana
  • e University of Ghana, Ghana
  • f Washington University in St. Louis, United States
  • g Washington University in St. Louis, United States

Abstract

North-to-south migration has been a persistent trend in Ghana. Yet the migrating population has recently shifted to become predominantly female and younger, with a significant increase in rural adolescent girls seeking employment in urban and peri-urban areas. For adolescents without strong networks of social and financial support, this practice can jeopardize their physical and mental health, putting them at risk of sexual victimization and economic exploitation. Building upon the work of cumulative risk and ecological systems theorists, this article examines the case of female adolescent load bearers (Kayayei) in Ghana, highlighting the need to develop and evaluate multi-component prevention efforts. © The Author(s) 2018.

Author Keywords

Migration Child labor Kayayei Adolescents Ghana

Index Keywords

case report female Ghana urban area ecosystem clinical article financial management Article employment girl human experiment mental health human migrant Adolescent Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85052109383&doi=10.1177%2f0020872818788398&partnerID=40&md5=d923e954100f7191383a58893218cc1c
DOI: 10.1177/0020872818788398
ISSN: 00208728
Original Language: English