Resilience in the Face of Adversity: a Focused Ethnography of Former Girl Child Soldiers Living in Ghana

Abstract

Former child soldiers wrestle with mental health, social adjustment, and reconciliation challenges as reported by Denov (International Social Work 53(6):791–806, 2010). While research has focused on the impacts of child soldering, little attention has been paid to their lives and experiences beyond disarmament and reintegration activities, with even less focus on girl child soldiers. Focused ethnography was utilized to explore resilience, including challenges and coping resources of 8 Liberian former girl child soldiers living in Ghana. In-depth interviews, participant observations, and group discussions were conducted in a refugee camp and analyzed thematically. Adversity during conflict in Liberia included forced recruitment, sexual abuse in rebel groups, and witnessing multiple deaths. Reintegration challenges in Ghana included lack of basic needs, language barriers, and psychosocial and adjustment difficulties. Resilience-building resources used by participants in conflict and post-conflict settings included social supports, spiritual practices and beliefs, and individual agency. Implications for policies, programs, and interventions for former girl child soldiers are discussed.