The Coping Strategies of Single Parents: A Study of Female Household Headship in Accra

Abstract

This study investigates the coping strategies of single female parents in Accra. Single female parents within Maamobi, New Dansoman and Roman Ridge areas in Accra were interviewed through in-depth interviews and a survey. Specifically, the study sought to find out the socio-economic factors that account for single female parenthood. how single lelllaie parents econoillically support their households. examine social support mechanisms for single female parents and whether they make mqjor decisions in their households. The major findings are that divorce is principally responsible for single female parenthood due to mainly the infidelity of husbands In the absence of men (husbands), single female parents through earning incomes which are although low, bear the bulk of responsibility In the maintenance of children and the household in addition to making major decisions. The fathers of the children of single female parents mostly do not assist the women in the maintenance of children. In situations \\here children's fathers assist the \\omen. the\ mostly do so occasionally. Kin of single female parents on the other hand mostly assist the women \\ith housing and household chores. The study thus concludes that single female parents are to a large extent heads of households Finally, the study offers recommendations such as improving the educational and income generating potential of women through sound macro economic policies and programmes by the government and NGOs respecti\ely and the enactment of relevant Im\s by parlianlent to ensure that single female parents recei \e child support from their children's fathers among others.