Project Description
The Kayayei girls work as head-porters at Agbogbloshie market, a crowded, local market and informal settlement, in Accra.
The Kayayei are predominantly teenage girls, some of whom have moved from rural areas to the city, looking for employment opportunities and ways to escape child marriage, offering their services to market customers as head-porters.
The nature of work and environment of their occupation put them at considerable risk. Due to lack of services and information, particularly sexual and reproductive health, these young girls often end up in vulnerable situations. They are susceptible to gender-based and sexual violence, including rape, and are at high risk of unplanned pregnancies.
Despite these challenges, the Kayayei have bonded in an association and through a local organization – PAYDP and with support from UNFPA and other partners, have built a day-care centre that provides a safe space for their young children whilst they work. In addition to this, the Kayayei also receive capacity building and as a result, they also run other income generating activities, including jewelry making. The Youth Envoy was deeply moved by the resilience displayed by the Kayayei girls, who are amongst some of the most marginalized youth in Ghana, and shared with them a message of hope and encouragement as well as gratitude for sharing their deeply personal stories.