Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has launched its children defence program, the “Voices of Children from the Pits.”
The launch took place on June 14, 2024, with the attendance of WiM-Africa implementing partners from Malawi, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Mali, and South Africa, while other delegates joined from Angola, DRCongo, Sierra Leone, London and the United States of America.
During the event, partners shared their implementation plans and highlighted their track records in advocating for the rights and welfare of women and children.
The well-attended launch event was followed by a strategic meeting in Abuja on June 25, 2024, where WiM-Africa met with its Implementing Partner in Nigeria, Richflood Foundation, and media representatives to discuss the take-off of the “Voices of Children from the Pits” program in Nigeria.
Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, Executive Director of Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa), stated:
“The launch of the ‘Voices of Children from the Pits’ program marks a significant milestone in our mission to protect and empower the most vulnerable children in our mining communities.
She said this 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.
She stated: “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.”
Dr. Adeola Adewale Olajugbagbe, Program Coordinator at Richflood Foundation, Nigeria, commented:
“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 labor 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 said through comprehensive data gathering about the children and also through increased awareness, the collaboration aims to create lasting impacts on the lives of children who are affected by mining activities.
She stated: “Our commitment to this cause is unwavering, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes this program will bring.”
In attendance at the strategic meeting were representatives from Women in Mining Africa, Richflood Foundation, and media organizations. Pictured from right to left: Mrs. Elizabeth Mbagho, Program Coordinator at Women in Mining Africa; Mr. Francis Kadiri; Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, Executive Director at Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa); Dr. Adeola-Adewale Olajugbagbe, Program Coordinator at Richflood Foundation; and Mrs. Rita Babatunde, Gender Specialist at Richflood Foundation, in the Asokoro Office in Abuja.
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 safer, more equitable environments for all.
