Promoting recognition for unpaid care work for carers of children with developmental disabilities in Ghana

Caregivers of children with developmental disabilities in Ghana, most of whom are women and girls, face hardships in providing care for their children. An estimated one-quarter of Ghanaian children have some form of developmental delay. Few, if any, resources or facilities are available to support their care or provide carers with needed assistance. As a result, the children are often left at home, increasing the overall caregiver burden, which falls disproportionately on women. Although there has been some progress by government and civil society organizations to increase recognition for this unpaid care work, policies that value and scale it in Ghana are urgently needed.

Insights into urban and rural contexts

This research and advocacy project addresses the challenges faced by caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. The study aims to understand, recognize, reduce and redistribute unpaid care work to improve the well-being of the children and their caregivers. It will be conducted in the Greater Accra and Northern regions of Ghana, engaging with nearly 700 caregivers and offering insights into both urban and rural caregiving contexts.

Improving access to inclusive education

Special emphasis will be placed on supporting the expansion and strengthening of inclusive education in Ghana. Research and advocacy will focus on equipping public schools with the resources and trained personnel they need to accommodate children with developmental disabilities. Enhancing access to inclusive education will also allow caregivers to better balance their caregiving responsibilities with other pursuits.