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"the use of children (under 18years) for the sexual satisfaction of adults. The basis of the exploitation is the unequal power and economic relations between the child and the adult. The child is exploited for his/her youth and sexuality."

The Issue
teenage mother - victim of early marriage
SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
Sexual exploitation of children has over the years assumed a global dimension, although varying in intensity, is found in both developing and developed countries.

The phenomenon of sexual exploitation of children has grown complex due to its transnational scope. Children are sold and trafficked across borders with security personnel as accomplices. It is the fastest growing underground industry  - a contemporary form of slavery, pervasive and expanding on many fronts.
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Modern day realities in from of economic distress and helplessness has precipitated family breakdowns and breakups; in concert with with traditional and socio cultural practices and beliefs that render specific groups of children more vulnerable than others.

Resultant problems span from sexual related diseases to an increasing number of child mothers. A bigger problem often results as the recovery and re-integration of these children is made more difficult by societal ingrained taboos and stigmas which discriminate against, rather than empathize, with the victims.
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Harmful types of Work
-work which exposes the kid to physical, sexual or psychological abuse

-work underground, underwater, at dangerous heights or in confined spaces
CHILD LABOR

Child labor is not jobs for kids. It is neither valuable work experience nor apprenticeship combined with schooling that enhances a child's present and future prospects. Child labor - in its worst forms - is abuse of power. It is adults exploiting the young, naive, innocent, weak, vulnerable and insecure for personal profit.

The ILO estimates that, around the world, some 250 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 work for a living. Almost half, some 120 million, work full time, every day, all year round. As many as 70 percent work in dangerous environments.
child soldier - forced into rebel group
In countries where there is conflict, children are abducted and forced into rebel units where they are exposed to violence, drugs and unimaginable experiences.
-with hazardous substances,agents or processes, or temperatures,noise levels or vibrations damaging to their health.
-work for long hours or during the night or where the 
child is unreasonably confined to the premises of the employer.

-work with dangerous tools,machines or involving haulage of heavy materials or load.
  THE EXCUSE  

While poverty is held on to as the primary factor in various forms of exploitation of children, a combination of factors have been identified. Illiteracy as well as poverty is a relevant factor and is seen as an underlying factor. Sadly, the scourge is spiraling towards the very young.

THE NIGERIA PROBLEM  

The issue is hydra headed in Nigeria. In the Northern part of Nigeria where illiteracy is at a peak, traditional beliefs and practices encourage early marriages, often times to older men, or a prolonged betrothal which exposes the girls to early and unsafe sexual practises.

This has been responsible for the phenomenal increase in the number of Visio Vaginal Fistulae (V V F) cases among girls between the ages of 9-15 years and an increasing number of child mothers and HIV cases.

 A strong Muslim culture which does not advise interaction between females and the opposite sex (especially non-Muslims), and a high rate of illiteracy results in misinformation about sex and and related issues such as methods of protection and prevention and how, where and when to seek for appropriate medical attention.

Children of school age and below are often engaged in street hawking, confined to the farm, home or simply found idle. The weak sense of commitment and responsibility of a parent to the child reflects in the total well being of children in that locality.

In the Southern part of Nigeria, especially in commercial towns and cities, there is an ever increasing influx of children for rural areas in search of 'a better life'. The prevalent economic situation, forces parents to engage their children or ward in various difficult jobs including hawking on highways (all day long), haulage and as domestic servants to high flight business men and executives or as prostitutes in the poorer parts of town.

The bustling business world and steady influx of foreigners (expatriates) has fed an active night life which is reflected in the increase of night clubs and young girls hanging around dark corners of high brow areas or the sophisticated girls that offer 'home service' to rich clients.

It is noteworthy to say that there are established chains and enterprises that feed 'this industry'. A cartel of businessmen and women that trick illiterate parents into handing over their children to them promising to get them good jobs in the city.
 

This is extracted from a paper presented by Mr Tobi Sowole at the quarterly workshops of  M.A.C.E.S.

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