Childcare Choices Among Female Street Vendors In Mankessim In The Central Region Of Ghana

Abstract

This study explored the Childcare Choices of female street vendors in Mankessim with children aged zero to three years. Employing qualitative research methods, the study conducted 38 individual interviews, drawing on insights from various study participants, including 21 female street vendors, seven market and non-market-based child caregivers, and 10 key informants. This study adopted social reproduction theory as its theoretical framework and employed a thematic approach for data analysis. The findings revealed that the childcare system in Mankessim had gaps in quality and accessibility. The findings revealed that female street vendors had childcare needs of affordable, safe, and reliable childcare provision. The findings suggest that female street vendors in Mankessim often rely on non-market-based childcare arrangements to fulfil their children’s caregiving needs. Finally, factors such as the cost of childcare, notions of appropriate motherhood, childhood, and the presence of social support networks shape the childcare choices of female street vendors in Mankessim. The study recommends implementing strategic approaches aimed at improving the general economic situation of women informal economy workers, such as female street vendors, to indirectly alleviate some of their childcare challenges. Additionally, this study recommends the establishment of a community-based childcare centre in the central business area specifically tailored to meet the needs of female street vendors and other informal economy workers in Mankessim.