Of silent maids, skilled gardeners and careful madams: gendered dynamics and strategies of migrant domestic workers in Accra, Ghana

GeoJournal October 2017, Volume 82, Issue 5, pp 957–970 | Cite as Authors and affiliations Mariama Awumbila1 Email author e Joseph Kofi Teye1 Joseph Awetori Yaro1 1.Centre for Migration StudiesUniversity of GhanaLegon, AccraGhana Article First Online: 24 May 2016 Abstract Recent studies indicate that many migrants are engaged mainly in the informal sector in low-paid, short-term, and insecure occupations in cities. Using a qualitative research approach, this paper examines the gendered experiences, livelihood strategies and wellbeing of migrants engaged in domestic work in Accra, Ghana. Employing structure-agency theoretical perspectives, the paper also discusses how migrant domestic workers employ their own agency to counter exploitation. The findings show clear gendered patterns of employment in domestic work, with men having stronger agency to negotiate better conditions of work and remuneration. 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