Balancing Childcare with Work: Experiences of Head-Porters who are Nursing Mothers in Ghana

Abstract

The concerns of working mothers as they attempt to perform the dual roles of mothering and working are being increasingly noticed and addressed in the formal corporate world in Ghana. Yet, little is known about the situation and strategies of those in the informal and the self-employed sector, specifically, among nursing mothers who are head porters (kayayie nursing mothers). This qualitative study, guided by an interpretivist research paradigm explored the strategies used by head porter nursing mothers to balance childcare with work, the challenges they faced and the perceived solutions to ease the predicament that kayayie nursing mothers encounter while dividing their energy and capabilities between parenting, work and self. The role strain theory was used to support the study. Drawing on purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study identified carrying children at the back, peer support as well as employer support as the main strategies head porter nursing mothers used to balance work with childcare. Also, the study identified low patronage of services, low productivity and frequent ill health among their children as challenges encountered by head porter nursing mothers. The study recommends the establishment of affordable childcare centres and health posts around the work environment of the kayayie, usually the market area. Furthermore, it is recommended that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protections should form alliance with Kayayie and build their capacities in work knowledge, skills and proper care of themselves and their children.