Protecting Girls from Child Labour and Exploitation – A Call to Action for AfricaAccording to the latest estimates, around 138 million children were engaged in child labour in 2024, of which 54 million were in hazardous work. Despite a decline since 2020, sub-Saharan Africa still carries the highest burden, with roughly 87 million children affected. For girls, the risks are especially severe: they are more likely than boys to face sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and domestic servitude. When families cannot cover the costs of schooling, many girls are forced into exploitative work. For example, after U.S. restrictions on Bangladeshi textiles made with child labour, thousands of girls were pushed into prostitution, begging, or unsafe jobs rather than returning to school.  Source: UNICEF Legally, economic exploitation is defined as “unfairly taking advantage of another person’s vulnerability, by grossly underpaying them for their work compared to market rates” Girls’ vulnerability is amplified by poverty, cultural norms, and weak labour protections, leaving them disproportionately at risk. Child Labour and Economic Exploitation: How They IntertwineChild labour and economic exploitation are two sides of the same coin. At the heart of both issues lies poverty. Families struggling to meet their most basic needs often see no choice but to send their children to work, whether in fields, mines, or sweatshops. For many, this decision is driven not by neglect but by necessity, a way to put food on the table when survival is on the line. Source: ECLT Foundation A powerful example of this comes from Bolivia, where child labour is deeply woven into social and economic life. In a New York Times documentary, Dr. Jorge Domic, director of Foundation La Paz, argues that banning child labour outright is not realistic, as it is ingrained in Andean culture. Instead, he suggests that the true problem lies in exploitation and unsafe conditions. Some child workers themselves echo this perspective: they don’t oppose working, but they demand fair treatment and protection from abuse. Source: The New York Times The Gambia: A Closer LookOur work is centered in The Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa but one that faces very big challenges. With a population of just 2.6 million (2021), it shares many of the struggles that plague its neighbors:
 Source: UNICEF, Statista, 2022 While the legal working age in The Gambia is 16 (and 18 for hazardous jobs), these laws are rarely enforced. Child labour is most prevalent in the agricultural sector, where nearly 95% of working children (ages 7–14) can be found. Because agriculture forms the backbone of the Gambian economy, families often depend heavily on children’s labour just to survive. Source: Block TV Gambia In short, The Gambia’s child labour crisis is not just about children working, it’s about systemic exploitation, weak protections, and a fragile economy that leaves families with few alternatives. Tackling this issue requires more than legal reforms; it demands addressing the root causes: poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities. Explore Current Child Labour Laws to Combat ExploitationThe Gambian government has been working for decades to reduce child labour, exploitation, and child marriage. With the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UNICEF, several key legislations have been introduced: 1. The Children's Act, 2005
2. Anti-Trafficking In Persons Act, 2007
3. Children’s Court Rules Act of 2010Designed to eliminate child labour and strengthen protections for children, this act also created specialised courts to handle child-related cases. Alongside these laws, UNICEF has supported The Gambia by:
In 2017, the government also launched new programmes targeting the “worst forms of child labour.” Agencies like the Child Protection Alliance, Child Welfare Unit, and the Department of Social Welfare continue to enforce these laws. The Tourism Security Unit and Gambia Tourism Board also introduced bans on unaccompanied minors in tourist hotspots to curb child sexual exploitation. Source: DW Africa Why Education Is a Game-ChangerEducation is one of the most powerful shields against exploitation. Educated girls are more likely to earn higher incomes, marry later, and provide better health outcomes for their families. In West Africa, targeted programmes show real progress: child labour in cocoa-growing regions of Ghana and Ivory Coast dropped by nearly 44% after interventions that supported mothers and local protection committees. Source: UNICEF How Can Everyone Help to Stop Child Labour?Ending child labour is not only a government responsibility, but it also requires collective action.
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A Call for Education, Equality, and EmpowermentOctober 11 is celebrated globally as International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to highlighting the challenges girls face in achieving education, empowerment, and gender equality (Sharma, 2023). This day shines a light on the critical need to uplift and support girls, emphasizing that their voices, rights, and access to opportunities must be prioritised. Since its inception, this day has served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and the importance of providing girls with the tools they need to succeed in life. In this blog, we will explore the impact of International Day of the Girl Child, and why empowering girls through education is the key to transforming societies.  The History Behind This DayIn 1995, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was introduced at the World Conference on Women, laying the groundwork for advocating for girls' rights (UNESCWA, 2020). This landmark declaration underscored the need to eliminate discrimination against girls and provide them with equal opportunities. By 2011, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 66/170, which officially declared October 11 as International Day of the Girl Child (Pandey, 2023). This day is now recognized worldwide, drawing attention to critical issues like education, health, and nutrition for girls, while advocating for their empowerment. The Importance of International Day of the Girl ChildAccording to UNESCO, an estimated 15 million girls of primary school age in sub-Saharan Africa never enter a classroom (UNESCO, 2016). Despite this, girls are emerging as leaders and changemakers, contributing across all sectors globally. However, equal access to education and opportunities remains a significant hurdle. The annual themes of International Day of the Girl Child evolve to address pressing issues. In 2021, the theme "Digital Generation. Our Generation" emphasised the importance of bridging the digital divide to empower girls (Egger, 2021). This day brings the world together to recognize the unique challenges girls face, such as child marriage, gender-based violence, and limited educational opportunities. By addressing these issues, we can unlock their potential to drive sustainable development. Every year on October 11, this day reminds the world of the progress made and the work still ahead in advancing girls' rights. The UNICEF Convention on the Rights of the Child addresses the discrimination girls face from birth to adulthood. This day calls for a critical examination of systems that perpetuate inequality, urging meaningful action.  Highlighting Gender Equality IssuesGlobally, one in four girls aged 15-19 is neither in education, employment, nor training, compared to one in ten boys (Touma, 2014). Although strides have been made, many girls still face child marriage, gender-based violence, and other challenges. The International Day of the Girl Child shines a light on these issues and advocates for closing the gender gap. Empowerment of Girls: Education, Equality, and TransformationGirls are not just beneficiaries of societal change; they are agents of it. Empowering girls through education helps break the cycle of poverty, while giving them the tools to actively participate in their communities. Education is a powerful force that fosters self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to advocate for their rights. As Margaret Thatcher said, “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman” (Kleiser, 2005). Raising the Voice for Girls' EducationOn International Day of the Girl Child, stories from around the world highlight the struggles and triumphs of girls, encouraging empathy and support. Faith, a participant in the Women for Women International – Nigeria program, shared how education has empowered her to provide better opportunities for her daughters. She now advocates for girls' rights, raising awareness about the importance of education for future generations (Women for Women International, 2019). Michelle Obama on the Importance of Education for Girls | Cosmopolitan How International Day of the Girl Child Is CelebratedEach year, International Day of the Girl Child is marked by events that tackle issues like child marriage, period taboos, and gender-based violence. These girl-led movements are changing the world, showing that when girls stand up, they can enact change at both the national and international levels. The United Nations sets a new theme every year, organizing events where activists, leaders, and organizations working for girls' rights come together. In 2020, the theme focused on girls living free from unsafe activities, HIV, and AIDS (Petter, 2020). In the digital age, social media plays a pivotal role in amplifying awareness about girls’ rights. Hashtags like #InvestInGirls, #ActionForGirlsRights, and #DayOfTheGirl help organizations and individuals spread their message to a global audience. How Can You Contribute to Girls’ Empowerment?If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of girls worldwide, there are several ways you can contribute:
Empowering Girls Means Empowering SocietiesEmpowering girls is not only the right thing to do; it's essential for sustainable development. As Michelle Obama stated, “When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous” (Lazuta, 2013). By continuing to raise awareness, donating to girls’ education, and advocating for their rights, we can ensure that girls around the world grow into confident, capable women who will continue to drive social change.  CategoriesAll Access To STEM Barriers To Girls Education Budgeting For Child Education Child Sponsorship Covid-19 And Girls' Education Empowerment Equality Family Life & Relationship Family-relationship-life International Day Of Celebration Myths Of Girls' Education News And Updates Technology And Innovation Violence On Women And Girls Read Our Featured Blogs and More!
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