DEVATOP Sensitizes Guardians and Child Domestic Workers on Lagos State Child Rights Law
On 4th November 2025, a community sensitization forum aimed at strengthening child protection and promoting awareness of the Lagos State Child Rights Law (2007) was held at New Planet Resort, Aka Road, Okoko, Ojo. The forum brought together guardians and Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) to deepen understanding of children’s fundamental rights and the shared responsibility of ensuring their safety, welfare, and development.
The sensitization was organized by DEVATOP Centre for Africa Development as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable children, particularly those engaged in domestic service. A total of 39 participants attended the event, comprising 19 guardians (18 females and 1 male) and 20 CDWs (11 females and 9 males).
The program commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Janet Homo, Project Lead for the Lagos Office, who outlined the objectives of the forum and set the ground rules for engagement. She also provided an overview of the project’s journey, highlighting key achievements, challenges encountered, and future prospects in advancing child protection within host communities. This was followed by remarks from Mr. Victor Abba, Community Liaison Assistant, who reminded participants of previous sensitization efforts and helped set the tone for the day’s discussions. Participants were then engaged through a short animated video that presented key facts and realities surrounding child domestic work.
A major highlight of the forum was the breakout session, where participants were divided into two groups: guardians and CDWs. In the guardians’ session, facilitators explained the provisions of the Lagos State Child Rights Law (2007), emphasizing the legal protections guaranteed to every child and the obligations of guardians and employers to ensure the welfare, safety, humane treatment, and education of child domestic workers. Discussions focused on non-exploitation, dignity, and compliance with established child protection standards.
Simultaneously, CDWs participated in a separate session tailored to their needs. They were guided on building positive relationships within their host households, the importance of discipline, self-development, and knowledge acquisition, and how these values can shape their future aspirations. The session also equipped them with information on how and where to seek help if they experience or witness abuse or exploitation.
The forum fostered mutual understanding between guardians and CDWs, encouraged responsible behavior, and reinforced community commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of children. By the end of the sensitization, employers demonstrated improved understanding of the Child Rights Law and expressed commitment to treating CDWs with fairness, respect, and care. CDWs also gained valuable insights into personal development and the importance of learning and good habits.
Participants collectively agreed on the need to promote safer and more supportive home environments for children. Recommendations from the forum encouraged guardians to fully familiarize themselves with the Lagos State Child Rights Law, provide access to education and skill acquisition for CDWs, and offer moral guidance. CDWs were urged to embrace discipline, respect, and continuous learning, while community leaders were encouraged to support the monitoring and enforcement of child protection laws. DEVATOP and its partners were also encouraged to sustain periodic sensitization activities to strengthen positive relationships, accountability, and mutual respect.
In conclusion, the sensitization provided valuable insights into the shared responsibilities of guardians and child domestic workers in ensuring children’s safety, welfare, and development. It also empowered CDWs with knowledge and life skills necessary for a better and more productive future, reinforcing the collective role of families and communities in making homes safe spaces for every child.
