WHAT IS BEING DONE?
The Ivory Coast grows about 40% of the world's chocolate. This means that it is a main income source for the country and Ivorian economy. However, there are acts being taken to help to eliminate the issue of child labor. First Lady of the Ivory Coast, Ouattara, is working day and night to change this reality for these workers. However, some view her efforts to be futile to the cause because the numbers of children in labor have not be decreasing. Below is an interview with her concerning her attempts to irradicate this matter.
Interview:
What was your assessment of the child labor problem in Ivory Coast at that time?
First Lady Ouattara: Knowing that everything that relates to children’s well-being touches me deeply, the President (her husband) asked me to get involved personally and to preside the second committee called CNS on a voluntary basis.
How are schools changing conditions in farming communities?
First Lady Ouattara: Education is the most effective response to combat the worst forms of child labor in a sustainable way. Until 2014, we could not make education compulsory because of a real lack of schools in the country. But we have been able to fill the gap by building 17,000 school classes and 155 [secondary schools] all over the country.
How will empowering women help address the child labor issue in cocoa farming?
First Lady Ouattara: Women are key players for economic and social development of their community in Ivory Coast. They are essential to family stability. By granting them micro-credit, we offer them the opportunity to start an income generating activity, enabling them to help their families. Today, over 100,000 women across Ivory Coast have benefited from the Fund to Support Women of Côte d’Ivoire (FAFCI). This project initiated in 2012, allowed these women to become autonomous, and in many cases, to enroll their children in school. Indirectly, it contributes to fight child labor with efficacy.
Interview:
What was your assessment of the child labor problem in Ivory Coast at that time?
First Lady Ouattara: Knowing that everything that relates to children’s well-being touches me deeply, the President (her husband) asked me to get involved personally and to preside the second committee called CNS on a voluntary basis.
How are schools changing conditions in farming communities?
First Lady Ouattara: Education is the most effective response to combat the worst forms of child labor in a sustainable way. Until 2014, we could not make education compulsory because of a real lack of schools in the country. But we have been able to fill the gap by building 17,000 school classes and 155 [secondary schools] all over the country.
How will empowering women help address the child labor issue in cocoa farming?
First Lady Ouattara: Women are key players for economic and social development of their community in Ivory Coast. They are essential to family stability. By granting them micro-credit, we offer them the opportunity to start an income generating activity, enabling them to help their families. Today, over 100,000 women across Ivory Coast have benefited from the Fund to Support Women of Côte d’Ivoire (FAFCI). This project initiated in 2012, allowed these women to become autonomous, and in many cases, to enroll their children in school. Indirectly, it contributes to fight child labor with efficacy.
What can YOU do?
Ask questions. Take Action. Demand change.