WiM-Africa Programs
Driving Women’s Leadership, Equity & Value Addition in Africa’s Mining Sector
WiM-Africa’s programs form the operational engine of the WiM-Africa Action Plan (2025–2030). They translate continental commitments into practical interventions that empower women, protect communities, influence policy, and unlock economic opportunities across Africa’s mining value chains.
All programs are aligned with WiM-Africa’s:
• Three Strategic Focus Areas (SFs)
• Seven Point Program Agenda (7PPAs)
• Institutional Delivery System
• WiM-Africa Institute for Leadership, Sustainable Mining & Value Addition
"Voices of Children from the Pits" Program
The Voices of Children from the Pits (VoC) Program is a child-centered advocacy and protection initiative designed to expose, document, and ultimately end the exploitation of children in and around mining communities. Through storytelling, education pathways, psychosocial support, and community-based prevention, VoC gives visibility to children whose lives are shaped by hazardous mining environments and economic desperation.
The program works with families, schools, local leaders, and women miners to remove children from harmful labor, restore their right to education, and build safer, alternative livelihoods for households. VoC investors, they are supporters, they are not only protecting children from danger—they are helping to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and exploitation, ensuring that Africa’s mineral wealth does not come at the cost of its children’s futures.
"Voices of Children from the Pits" Program
Overview of the VoC Program
History of Children Working at the Mines
The phenomenon of children working in mines is a pervasive issue in many parts of Africa, driven by poverty, lack of education, and inadequate enforcement of labor laws. Across countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Tanzania, children as young as five years old are found working in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations. These children are often involved in hazardous activities, including digging, carrying heavy loads, and handling mercury and other toxic substances, which pose severe risks to their health, safety, and development.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that millions of children globally are engaged in child labor in mines and quarries. The socio-economic conditions in many African mining communities exacerbate this issue, as families rely on the income generated by their children to survive. However, this form of child labor not only violates children's rights but also perpetuates the cycle of poverty and limits future opportunities for these young individuals.
"Collaborative efforts involving governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector are essential to creating sustainable solutions and ending child labour in mining.
Education and empowerment programs for children in mining pits are crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation that plagues many African communities. By providing these children with access to education and skills training, they can be given the tools they need to build a better future for themselves. Mental health and trauma recovery services are also essential in helping children in mining communities heal from their experiences and move forward with their lives. Through collaboration between Development Banks, Donor Agencies, and local organizations, we can work towards creating a brighter future for child miners in Africa." Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji
Objectives of the VoC Program
The "Voices of Children from the Pits" (VoC) Program by Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) is designed to address this critical issue through a comprehensive, multi-phase approach.
The program's objectives are structured into three distinct phases: Awareness, Campaign and Data Collection, and Enrolling Children in School.
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Awareness Phase; The first phase focuses on raising awareness about the plight of children working in mines. This involves engaging with local communities, governments, and international stakeholders to highlight the dangers and long-term consequences of child labor in mining and the need for action for the immedaite removal of children from mines . By using various media platforms, community meetings, and educational workshops, the program aims to inform and sensitize the public about the urgent need to protect children from these hazardous environments.
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Campaign and Data Collection Phase; In the second phase, the VoC Program conducts a targeted campaign to advocate for policy changes and mobilize resources to combat child labor in mines. This phase includes comprehensive data collection efforts to document the extent and conditions of child labor in different mining regions. The collected data provides a robust evidence base to support advocacy efforts and to develop targeted interventions. The campaign also seeks to build partnerships with local and international organizations to amplify the impact of these efforts.
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Educational Integration Program For Children Exiting Mining Activities; The final phase focuses on providing sustainable alternatives to child labor by enrolling affected children in school. WiM-Africa collaborates with local educational institutions, NGOs, and community leaders to facilitate the transition of children from mines to classrooms. This involves not only placing children in schools but also ensuring they receive the necessary support, such as school supplies, uniforms, and financial assistance, to continue their education.
Voices of Children from the Pit
VoC Program Phases
Phase 1
Awareness Campaign and Stakeholder Engagement
Phase 2
Outreach Campaign and Data Acquisition
Phase 3
Educational Integration Program For Children Exiting Mining Activities
Phase 4
Revealing Realities - Documentary on Child Labor in Mining
Documentary Film Team
Dr Comfort Asokoro - Ogaji
Director/Producer
Paul-Esupofo Oriade
Director/Producer
Olufemi Abraham
Cinematographer
Kunle Adepoju
Cinematographer