“Last to Sleep, First to Sweep”: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Child Househelps in Ghana

Abstract

The phenomenon of domestic work extends globally, reflecting entrenched socio-economic inequalities, gender norms, and cultural practices. The purpose of this study is to inform targeted interventions that protect and empower Ghana’s vulnerable child domestic workers. It examines the lived experiences of 100 child househelps (40 boys and 60 girls) aged 14 to 17, using secondary qualitative data acquired from key informant interviews across all 10 regions. The aim was to explore the arrangements under which househelps are engaged, their roles and schedules, the challenges they face, and their coping strategies. Results indicated significant gender disparities, with girls disproportionately assigned household responsibilities. Participants reported exploitative conditions, such as excessive hours and maltreatment, yet demonstrated resilience through coping strategies like prayer and social support. The study indicates that child domestic work leads to educational deficiency and perpetuates cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Effective legislative actions are urgently required to enforce labour laws, improve access to education, and address cultural norms that encourage exploitation. Further, it is essential that future research and advocacy efforts prioritize the protection of the rights and well-being of child domestic workers within Ghana’s socioeconomic framework. By incorporating insights from Social Learning Theory, the study also highlights how societal norms influence children’s acceptance of their roles, underscoring the need for comprehensive interventions that challenge these entrenched beliefs.