Rising Number of Out-of-School Children in Mining Areas – A Growing Concern
The increasing number of children out of school in mining communities is a result of the prioritization of quick financial gain through mineral exploration and related activities. This worrying trend was highlighted in a report by N&G Consulting Firm Ltd, a specialist consultancy offering organisational development and coaching.
In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Mrs Ngozichi Okorie, the project manager of N&G Consulting Firm Ltd, emphasized the impact of mining on women in Nigeria. The firm was tasked by the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development to develop a gender strategy for the mining sector, aiming to promote gender equity and female participation.
The report identified child labour and lack of access to education as prominent challenges faced by mining communities, with women and children being the most affected. These challenges encompass increased responsibilities, conflicts, abuse of rights, health-related issues, and gender-based violence.
Additionally, the report stressed the systemic discrimination against women in mining communities, as they are frequently excluded from consultations during negotiations on mining-related matters. Key issues such as community consent for mining projects, access to land, compensation, royalties, and benefiting from community development agreements were identified as areas where women are marginalized.
Moreover, the lack of appropriate education, awareness, skills acquisition, and training at the local level has been identified as a barrier to the effective participation of women in the mining sector. The report recommended the allocation of adequate resources for the training of the implementation team, establishment of implementation initiatives, engagement of stakeholders, and building of partnerships to effectively implement the gender strategy.
This report underscores the urgent need for interventions to address the challenges faced by women and children in mining communities. It is crucial to ensure the inclusion of women in decision-making processes and to provide access to educational and economic opportunities. The gender strategy proposed by N&G Consulting Firm Ltd provides a roadmap for promoting gender equity and female participation in the Nigerian mining industry, aligning with the Federal Government’s efforts to foster growth and development in the sector.
In conclusion, the collaboration of stakeholders, including government agencies, mining companies, and civil society organizations, is essential to address the issues faced by women and children in mining areas. Through the implementation of the gender strategy and allocation of resources for training and capacity building, a more inclusive and equitable mining sector can be created that benefits all members of the community.
