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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Child domestic labor in Accra: opportunity and empowerment or perpetuation of gender inequality?
Author:Tetteh, Peace Mamle
Year:2011
Periodical:Ghana Studies (ISSN 1536-5514)
Volume:14
Pages:163-189
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:child labour
domestic workers
gender inequality
girls
poverty
Abstract:Child labour is a relatively dynamic phenomenon, varying in its extent, nature, and effects in different countries or even within the same country over a period of time. As a result of this, the exact estimates, effects and knowledge on measures to tackle child labour have proved rather elusive. The subject and cultural notions of childhood and children's work is problematic as it produces attitudes and preconceptions which hinder research into and tackling child (domestic) labour. A common attitude of recruiters, employers, and officials working on behalf of children is to deny that child domestic work is a form of child labour or employment at all; or to refuse to acknowledge that it is detrimental to the wellbeing of the children concerned. Thus child domestic workers have been culturally accepted and largely relied on in many households. Engaging children as domestics in a household is considered 'safe' for the child, and thus is not stigmatized. This article on child domestic labour in Accra, Ghana, seeks to research the nature and realities of child domestic workers and contrast it with the notions and perceptions held about it. The article endeavours to answer the questions of what gender and nature of child becomes a domestic labourer, what prospects they face, what the nexus is between child domestic labour and gender inequality, discrimination and female poverty; and what policy measures are required to tackle the engagement of girls in domestic labour. Bibliogr., notes. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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