Poor job quality remains a critical global issue, affecting more than 1.5 billion individuals who find themselves in vulnerable employment, representing nearly half of the global workforce.
This problem is particularly prevalent in Africa, where a higher percentage of workers are engaged in vulnerable employment compared to the global average of 46%.
These vulnerable workers face limited access to social protection schemes and frequently experience low and unstable earnings.
The struggle to create formal sector jobs for youth in African countries has persisted for decades, leading to a lack of decent work opportunities. This, coupled with high rates of working poverty and inadequate social protection, significantly contributes to emigration.
Among young women in their twenties, labor force participation is often interrupted due to childbirth and the subsequent responsibility of caring for their babies.
While this represents one side of the story, it is essential to note that there are individuals like Vydash from Ghana who earns a substantial income by providing professional testicle massages to men.
Vydash, a masseuse, shared insights on her technique for performing testicle massages in an interview with Vibes in 5. According to her, she gently runs her fingers through the manhood, firmly holds the scrotum in her hands, and encourages her male clients to relax.
She explained that this form of massage helps men with erection problems and assists those with sagging balls in firming them up.
However, it is crucial to refocus on the broader issue of poor job quality rather than highlighting isolated cases like Vydash’s occupation. Addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable workers, such as lack of social protection and low earnings, requires comprehensive measures on a societal level.
Efforts should be made to create more formal sector jobs, improve working conditions, and provide adequate social protection for all workers, particularly in Africa where the problem is particularly acute.
By focusing on enhancing job quality, societies can foster inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty, and create a more equitable and sustainable future for workers worldwide.
