Rising Number of Children Out of School Recorded in Mining Areas, Study Shows
N&G Consulting Firm Ltd has conducted a comprehensive report uncovering a troubling trend within mining communities in Nigeria. The report has brought to light a significant rise in the number of children who are not enrolled in school, a direct consequence of families seeking quick financial gains through mining and related activities in these regions.
Mrs. Ngozichi Okorie, the Project Manager of the consulting firm, discussed this concerning issue in a conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. She emphasized that the detrimental effects of mining activities in Nigeria are particularly impactful on women and children.
The firm’s study, carried out as part of a gender strategy development project under the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, provides valuable insights into the challenges encountered by mining communities. It highlights issues such as child labour, lack of access to education, and the exclusion of women from crucial decision-making processes related to mining.
The gender strategy, an essential element of the Federal Government’s plan for the growth and development of the Nigerian mining industry, aims to address the systemic discrimination faced by women in these areas. Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, recently unveiled the strategy, demonstrating the government’s dedication to promoting gender equity and increasing female participation in the sector.
The report’s findings underscore the urgent need for measures to address the multifaceted challenges experienced by women and children in mining communities. It points to the unequal burden placed on women, including increased responsibilities, conflicts, rights abuses, health implications, and gender-based violence resulting from mining activities.
In addition to these challenges, the report also highlights the exclusion of women from consultations and negotiations pertaining to mining-related issues. This systemic discrimination further exacerbates the difficulties faced by women in these communities, hindering their ability to effectively advocate for their rights and interests.
The report’s recommendations include the allocation of resources for the training of implementation teams, initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, stakeholder engagement, and the establishment of strategic partnerships. It also emphasizes the importance of providing access to education, raising awareness, and offering skills acquisition and training opportunities at the local level to empower women in the mining sector.
It is evident that the impact of mining activities extends beyond economic gains, significantly affecting the social and educational well-being of communities, particularly women and children. The government, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, must urgently address these issues to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in the mining value chain.
As discussions around gender equity, sustainable development, and community empowerment continue, the findings of this report serve as a crucial reminder of the pressing need to prioritize the welfare and rights of women and children in Nigeria’s mining areas. Only through concerted efforts and meaningful interventions can we strive towards creating a more just and equal society for all.
