By: mansarayamaduibrahim@gmail.com
As Sierra Leone’s schools prepare to reopen on September 9th, the grim reality of child labor, particularly street trading among girls as young as eight, looms large.
This distressing issue has reached a critical point, especially in major cities like Kenema, Bo, Makeni, and Freetown.
During school holidays and even when classes are in session, many young girls are forced into the streets, trading goods to support their families. This rampant exploitation brings severe consequences, including increased risks of rape, accidents, and other dangers.
The Risks Associated with Child Labor in Street Trading
1. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Girls working in markets and streets are vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Instances of rape and abuse are alarmingly high, particularly in areas like Waterloo, where market conditions exacerbate their exposure to predatory individuals.
2. Accidents and Injuries: The chaotic environments of busy market areas and streets present significant hazards. Children, due to their small stature and lack of experience, are at heightened risk of accidents, including traffic collisions and injuries from heavy goods.
3. Psychosocial Impact: Continuous exposure to hazardous work conditions affects the mental health of these children. Stress, trauma, and the lack of a normal childhood can lead to long-term psychological damage.
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| Street trading girl at Waterloo |
Combating Child Labor: Effective Measures
1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks: While Sierra Leone has various child protection laws, there is a pressing need for stricter enforcement of the Child Labor Act, particularly concerning street trading. Comprehensive legislation should be enacted to regulate and eliminate the exploitation of child workers.
2. Enhanced Educational Support: Although education in the country is free and compulsory for every child, the need for vocational training programs, can offer alternatives for children. By ensuring that education is accessible and appealing, the need for children to work for survival can be significantly reduced.
3. Community Awareness and Support Programs: Raising awareness about the dangers of child labor and implementing community-based support programs can help protect vulnerable children. Engaging local communities and families in understanding the importance of education and the risks associated with child labor is crucial.
Current Statistics and Government Action
According to UNICEF, recent statistics reveal a concerning trend in child labor, particularly street trading. Approximately 20-30% of children involved in street trading are girls, with the majority working in urban centers like Freetown, Bo, Kenema and Makeni.
As the new school year begins on September 9th, this is a painful reality persisting for many girls in Sierra Leone. This distressing trend highlights a severe lapse in protecting the most vulnerable, underscoring a critical gap in Sierra Leone's child protection laws.
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| Children selling at Maxwell Khobe Street in Kenema |
Addressing child labor, particularly street trading, requires immediate and robust action.
The government of Sierra Leone must enforce existing child protection laws more rigorously and close the gaps in the Child Labor Act to explicitly cover street trading. Initiatives should include stricter regulations on businesses and markets employing minors, comprehensive educational programs to reintegrate working children, and community outreach to raise awareness about the dangers and legal implications of child labor.
The government's role is crucial in safeguarding the future of these children. By taking decisive action, Sierra Leone can begin to eradicate child labor and ensure that every child has the chance to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
The time for decisive action is now to prevent further harm and secure a better future for Sierra Leone’s children.
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