Every June 12, is set aside as World Day against child labour. Therefore it is fitting to celebrate women doing great in the fight against child labour.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 43% of Nigerian children aged 5 to 17 are engaged in child labour.
Therefore, our WCW woman for today is the founder of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) Chief (Mrs.) Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar,
WOTCLEF was Founded in 1999, and have contributed immensely to this fight against child labour, while also combating human trafficking Nigeria.
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Who is Chief (Mrs) Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar
Chief (Mrs.) Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar is a distinguished Nigerian humanitarian and advocate. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she pursued her early education in the country before advancing her studies abroad.
She is married to Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, and together they have several children. Known for her dedication to social causes, Mrs. Abubakar has utilised her position to champion various humanitarian efforts, focusing on women’s and children’s rights.
She is deeply involved in charitable activities, earning respect and recognition both nationally and internationally. She holds multiple honorary titles and has received various awards for her contributions to society. Beyond her public work, she is also known for her commitment to family and her strong personal values, which have guided her extensive philanthropic endeavours.
WOTCLEF and the fight against child labour
The Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) has made significant strides in the fight against child labour in Nigeria through a variety of impactful initiatives and programs. Here are five of the examples:
1. Rescue missions:
– In 2002, WOTCLEF rescued five Nigerian children, aged between 10 and 14 years, from Gabon where they had been trafficked for labour. The organisation arranged for their safe return to Nigeria and provided them with necessary support at their rehabilitation centre.
2. Rehabilitation
– WOTCLEF established Nigeria’s first rehabilitation centre specifically for trafficked persons and children involved in child labour. This centre offers a range of services including shelter, food, clothing, healthcare, counselling, vocational training, education, and family tracing and reunification.
3. Education
– In 2005, WOTCLEF withdrew fifty child labourers from cocoa farms in Ondo State and supported their integration into formal schooling. This initiative was funded by the International Labour Organization’s West African Cocoa/Commercial Agriculture Project (ILO-WACAP).
4. Public awareness campaigns:
– WOTCLEF has organized numerous public awareness campaigns to highlight the issues of child labour and trafficking. For example, the “Battle of Hope” charity concert in 2004 combined music and sports to raise awareness about human trafficking, child labour, and the spread of HIV/AIDS.
5. Simplification and translation of laws:
– To increase public understanding and compliance, WOTCLEF simplified the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law and translated it into major Nigerian languages and Pidgin English. This initiative, supported by international organisations such as USAID, aimed to make the law more accessible to the general public.
There are many unsung heroes out there, doing amazing things, some we know like the WOTCLEF, others we are getting to know their contributions in a world that continues to dwindle in humanitarian activities.
