To identify effective intervention models for reducing the abuse of child domestic workers (CDWs) in Liberia, The Freedom Fund partnered with NORC at the University of Chicago on the research project “Tackling Exploitative Child Domestic Work in West Africa,” funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Combat and Monitor Trafficking in Persons. As part of this project, we produced the report Behind Closed Doors: Measuring the Scale and Nature of Exploitative Child Domestic Work in Nigeria. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions with CDWs were conducted, followed by a survey involving 1,088 CDWs and 605 employers/caregivers in urban Edo and Lagos states.
Key findings indicate that many CDWs face abusive conditions, with 88.9% encountering labour law violations and 96.7% experiencing indicators of Worst Forms of Child Labour. Many CDWs start working as young as ten years old, often in kinship arrangements that worsen their underpayment. Employers agree on the need for education and training for CDWs, yet many remain out of school. Recommendations include strengthening protective legislation, improving access to education and vocational training, raising awareness of available resources, and fostering community support networks to empower CDWs. Collaboration among governmental, civil society and multilateral organizations is vital to address these issues effectively.
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