Experiences of Female Migrants in the Informal Sector Businesses in the Cape Coast Metropolis: Is Target 8.8 of the SDG 8 Achievable in Ghana?

Abstract

Situated within the neoclassical micro-economic and migration networks theories, this study used in-depth interviews to explore the circumstances, lived experiences, risk and vulnerabilities of female migrants in selected informal sector businesses in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. The data was processed and analyzed thematically using the QSR Nvivo qualitative software version 11. Participants reported varied and complex lived experiences. Poverty, the search for employment, parental irresponsibility and marital instability were the dominant explanations for their decisions to migrate. Most participants intimated that their health and economic rights were often violated, that they endured verbal abuse, physical injury, sexual harassment, and were compelled to work even when sick. Their daily or monthly earnings were at the mercy of their employers, and their work, living and sleeping environments were unsafe. Considering that these findings reflect what generally prevails in other parts of the country, Ghana is unlikely to achieve Target 8.8 of the Sustainable Development Goal 8. There is therefore an urgent need to enforce the relevant laws and policies to protect the fundamental human rights, safety, health and well-being of females in these and similar livelihood activities in Ghana.