By Gabriel Ewepu 

ABUJA – A Civil Society Organization, CSO, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has launched the ‘Voices of Children from the Pits’ Programme to protect and empower most vulnerable children empower in mining communities.

The official launch event 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, Democratic Republic of Congo, 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’ Programme in Nigeria.

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’ Programme is a testament to this commitment, aiming to create safer, more equitable environments for all.

The Executive Director, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa), Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, said: “The launch of the ‘Voices of Children from the Pits’ Programme marks a significant milestone in our mission to protect and empower the most vulnerable children in our mining communities.”

Asokoro-Ogaji also explained that the Programme 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 added.

Also, the Programme Coordinator, Richflood Foundation, Nigeria, Dr Adeola Olajugbagbe described the initiative as a vital step towards eradicating child labour in mining sites.

“We are excited to collaborate with WiM-Africa on the ‘Voices of Children from the Pits’ Programme 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”, Olajugbagbe said.

She further stated that 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. 

“Our commitment to this cause is unwavering, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes this program will bring”, he said.

In attendance at the strategic meeting were representatives from Women in Mining Africa, Richflood Foundation, and media organizations.