Enhancing females’ sexual and reproductive health rights in rural fishing communities of Ghana: a human rights–based approach

Purpose The purpose of this research is to examine and evaluate the obstacles that hinder the sexual reproductive rights of women and teenage girls in the small-scale fishing communities of Ghana, with Akosua village serving as a case study. Design/methodology/approach The case study design of the qualitative method approach was used for this research. All study participants were selected, using the convenience sampling method. Four distinct focus group discussions were conducted, two with women (n = 16) and another with adolescent girls (n = 12). In addition, 13 in-depth interviews were conducted with women (n = 10) and adolescent girls (n = 8). The in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were recorded, translated, transcribed and thematically analysed using NVivo version 11. Findings This study reveals that all identified obstacles hindering the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and teenage girls in the Akosua village fishing community adversely impact the international human rights treaties ratified by Ghana. This study demonstrates that insufficient information and awareness of contraceptive methods, lack of availability and accessibility of contraceptives, and the marginalisation of women and adolescents in decision-making regarding contraceptive use are significant barriers impeding the sexual reproductive health of women and adolescent girls in the Akosua village fishing community. Originality/value Although extensive data exists regarding the social and biophysical aspects of coastal small-scale fishing communities globally, there remains a paucity of information concerning the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and adolescent girls at both the community and household levels, particularly within Ghana’s coastal small-scale fishing communities.