WIM- Africa Launches ‘Voices Of Children From Pits’ Prog

To protect and empower the most vulnerable women and children in mining communities, Women in Mining Africa, WiM-Africa has launched the ‘Voices of Children from the Pits’ programme.

At the launch in Abuja, the Executive Director of Women in Mining Africa, Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, stressed that the program marks a significant milestone in its mission to protect and empower women and children in mining communities across the country.

Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji said the program will not only remove children from hazardous mine sites but will also engage stakeholders in raising awareness and gathering critical data about the children affected.

“Our collective work with implementing partners across Africa is crucial in driving sustainable change and ensuring the well-being of women and children in the mining sector”, she stated.

She pledged that WiM-Africa remains committed to advocating for gender equality in the mining sector and removing children from hazardous mine sites across Africa.

“The “Voices of Children from the Pits” program is a testament to this commitment, aiming to create a safer, more equitable environment for all”, Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji stressed.

On her part, the program coordinator at Richflood Foundation, Nigeria, Dr. Adeola Adewale Olajugbagbe, who explained that the initiative is a vital step towards eradicating child labor in mines, fostering safe and supportive environments for children, and engaging stakeholders in meaningful dialogue added that no child should be found working at the mining sites.

“We are excited to collaborate with WiM-Africa on the ‘Voices of Children from the Pits’ program here in Nigeria. This initiative is a vital step towards eradicating child labour in mines, fostering safe and supportive environments for our children, and engaging stakeholders in meaningful dialogue. No child should be found working at the mines”, she emphasized.

She said through comprehensive data gathering about the children and increased awareness, the collaboration aims to create lasting impacts on the lives of children who are affected by mining activities.

“Our commitment to this cause is unwavering, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes this program will bring”, she stated:

The event had partners share their implementation plans and highlighted their track records in advocating for the rights and welfare of women and children.

The official launch had in attendance delegates from WiM-Africa implementing partners from Malawi, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Mali, and South Africa, Angola, DR Congo, Sirea Leone, London and the United States of America.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji