The Prevalence, Challenges and Coping Strategies of Children experienced labor exploitation in some Selected Sub Cities of Addis Ababa
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Date
2024-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study investigates the prevalence of child labor, the associated challenges and coping strategies in the Akaky Kaliti and Gullele sub-cities of Addis Ababa. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered from 300 participants 288 through structured questionnaires for quantitative analysis and 12 through unstructured interviews for qualitative insights. Quantitative data, analyzed using SPSS, revealed a high prevalence of child labor, with 52.1% of children aged 8-14 engaged in work, particularly in Akaki Kaliti. Among these children, 98% reported facing significant challenges, including physical injuries, social isolation, financial strain, and limited healthcare access, highlighting considerable impacts on their health, social integration, and education. In response to these conditions, children employ various coping strategies, such as changing workplaces, seeking social support, and temporarily leaving their jobs during periods of acute stress or injury. These strategies reflect both resilience and the constraints of their socio-economic environment, pointing to broader systemic gaps in child welfare protections. Based on these findings the study recommends stronger enforcement of existing child protection laws and policies in line with international standards. Additionally, it advocates for the development of targeted support services to address the specific needs of working children, including healthcare access, educational support, and community-based initiatives that offer both material aid and psychosocial support. These measures aim to safeguard children’s well-being and promote their rights within the broader context of social development.
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Strategies of Children Who Experienced Labor Exploitation