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#HerCOVID19Stories : Women head porters in Ghana amongst most affected by lockdown measures. By Fibi Afloe

June 7, 2020
#HerCOVID19Stories : Women head porters in Ghana amongst most affected by lockdown measures. By Fibi Afloe
June 7, 2020 In #HerCOVID19Stories Fibi Afloe Stories

The Kayayei, young women and girls who work as head porters, are amongst those who feel most severely the impact of the measures against COVID-19.

The Kayayei usually migrate from Northern Ghana to the capital, in the hope to find work and support their families back home. They typically live close to the markets, often in overcrowded shelters.


Kayayeis receiving food donations at Tema Station, Accra, Ghana. © Fibi Afloe, 3 April 2020

Ghana’s imposed lockdown restrictions made life for the Kayayei rather unbearable. Since the lockdown, they have been relying on food donations.


Kayayeis receiving food donations at Tema Station, Accra, Ghana. © Fibi Afloe, 3 April 2020

 

Private organizations and NGOs work to support the survival of the Kayayei. Despite all efforts, some of the head porters were not able to receive food packages. There was a shortage of supplies after packages went to a large number of women in need.