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.