| Description |
In a qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews, participant observation and photo-voice, I asked five adolescent female orphans to present how they see their lives and their futures. The research and the project took place in the town of Asitey, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The purpose of the study was to combat the statistics and figures that currently occupy the majority of literature regarding orphans and vulnerable children by giving the girls the tools to personalize the study. The research provided four themes in the data: negative self-image due to a perceived racial hierarchy and rigid grooming standards, a strong family and social identity, food insecurity, and an adherence to strict gender norms. Participants experienced a system of culturally fostered racial hierarchy, because of neocolonialism, media and volunteer relations. Participants also yearned for self-expression because of the required uniformity of clothing and hairstyles. The participants desired a future with regular meals because of daily food insecurity. Lastly, the participants faced a loss of individual identity because of an overwhelmingly strong family identity. Based on the photographs, interviews, literature and observation, I offer several recommendations. Primarily, the participants should have more exposure to positive, African female role models. |
