WIM Africa Commits To Welfare Of Women, Children In Mining Areas

Women in Mining Africa, WiM-Africa, and the Richflood Foundation have expressed deep concern over the recent arrests of nursing mothers, teenagers, and children at illegal mining sites across Niger State.

A statement jointly signed by the Executive Director of WiM-Africa, Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji and the Gender Specialist of Richflood Foundation, Rita Babatunde, in Abuja indicates that the recent raids conducted by the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources, resulted in the arrest of these vulnerable groups.

“While we commend the Niger State government’s efforts to curb illegal mining activities and protect natural resources, we call for a compassionate and sustainable approach in addressing the root causes of such issues,” Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji adds.

According to the statement, on her part, the Gender Specialist at Richflood Foundation, Rita Babatunde, calls for an urgent need for comprehensive socio-economic interventions in the mining communities.

“As an organization working with WiM-Africa and pursuing its objectives in Nigeria through the ‘Voices of Children from the Pits’ Program, we are dedicated to promoting the welfare of women and children in mining areas” Babatunde emphasizes.

“It is imperative that these individuals are treated with dignity and provided with the necessary support to transit out of hazardous and illegal mining activities.”

The statement notes that the prevalence of women and children in illegal mining underscores the need for targeted educational and economic support programs.

“Richflood Foundation and WiM-Africa are committed to implementing the “Voices of Children from the Pits” (VOC) program, which aims to rescue children from hazardous mining sites, raise awareness about the dangers of child labor, and facilitate access to education for these vulnerable children”.

“Following the ongoing VOC program, we propose a collaborative effort with the Niger State government to organize a workshop aimed at raising awareness among women in mining communities about the importance of education for their children and gather information about affected children to facilitate their enrollment and retention in formal schooling systems” Babatunde states.

“We have also provided a few recommendations for the consideration of the state government and stakeholders in the state and in Nigeria. First on the list is Educational Opportunities, which we consider a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. ”

According to the statement, providing educational opportunities for children in mining communities will not only protect them from hazardous labour but also equip them with the skills needed for a better future.

“We are of the opinion that supporting nursing mothers and other women in mining communities with alternative livelihood options is crucial. Vocational training and microfinance programs can empower these women economically, reducing their reliance on illegal mining”

It adds that continuous awareness and sensitization programs are essential to educate the community about the dangers of illegal mining and the importance of sustainable practices.

WiM-Africa and Richflood Foundation stand ready to collaborate with the Niger State government and other stakeholders to create sustainable solutions that protect both the environment and the welfare of women and children in mining communities.

PR/Georgina Humphrey.