“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.”
— African Proverb
Growing up in many parts of Africa, a child’s experience is often shaped by culture, tradition, and tribe. From an early age, children are taught to respect elders, adhere to societal norms, and accept to be disciplined usually without asking any questions. Obedience is instilled so deeply in a child’s formative years that any sign of defiance whether through questioning or challenging authority is often quickly met with discipline in the form of a spanking.
While these values aim to instill discipline and maintain order, they have also inadvertently created a generation of children who fear speaking up, even when facing injustice. It has also led to the emergence of timid and fearful children. Many of whom are too afraid to speak up against injustices and the distresses that they are going through.
When BarefootLaw established the BarefootLaw Box in the Lango sub region in Bala, Kole District, the primary goal was to bring legal services closer to the people in the area and surrounding communities. The BarefootLaw Box serves as a vital access point for legal guidance, virtual trainings, and mediations. Over time, it has become a safe space for marginalised groups especially women seeking justice in matters related to domestic violence, land disputes, family conflicts, and child neglect.
However, one of the most unexpected yet significant developments has been the growing number of children personally seeking legal help at the BarefootLaw Box. Traditionally, in Lango, children are expected to remain within the hierarchy of authority to their parents, elders, and community leaders. Seeking external intervention, especially from a legal perspective, is uncommon. Yet, the fact that children are courageously stepping forward highlights a shift in awareness and agency among the young people in Bala.
Children as Agents of Change
The children who come to the BarefootLaw Box share heartbreaking yet powerful stories. Some have been victims of abuse, neglect, forced labour, or physical violence while others are caught in family disputes that leave them feeling abandoned. A few brave ones come not for themselves, but on behalf of their siblings, demonstrating a growing sense of collective responsibility and justice.
For example, a 13-year-old boy once walked into the BarefootLaw Box asking for BarefootLaw to intervene and have his father pay for him school fees for him to go to school. He wants to be a doctor when he grows up. In another case, a 17-year-old girl asked whether her and her sister’s rights were being violated after their father repeatedly demanded that they be married off and should stop going to school. His reason for wanting to marry off his underage daughters was because he had debts and the money from the girls’ bride price at marriage would help him pay back his debtors. These are not isolated incidents. They represent a broader issue one where children, despite cultural limitations, are beginning to recognise injustice and seek solutions by themselves.
Breaking Cultural Barriers to Justice
The increasing number of children approaching the BarefootLaw Box raises an important question: Are we creating enough safe spaces for children to express their concerns? Traditionally, legal systems and dispute resolution mechanisms are adult centred, leaving children with little to no avenues to seek justice. Yet, the courage displayed by these young individuals in Bala challenges the long-held belief that children should remain silent in the face of adversity.
Through continuous engagement with the community, BarefootLaw has identified three key areas where further intervention is needed:
- Legal Education for Children: Many children lack knowledge about their rights. Interactive legal awareness sessions tailored for young audiences can empower them with the confidence to speak up.
- Community Sensitisation: Parents, teachers, and local leaders need to be engaged in conversations about children’s rights, ensuring that they listen, support, and advocate for the young voices in their care.
- Strengthening Child-Friendly Reporting Mechanisms: The BarefootLaw Box, in partnership with local authorities intend to enhance safe and discreet reporting channels for children facing legal challenges, ensuring that they receive the necessary help without fear of retribution.
The presence of children at the BarefootLaw Box is a reminder to us in the Access to Justice space. It is a reminder that justice should be for all and that there are other nuanced barriers in access to justice that may not be as apparent in the societies that we serve. It signals a need in a shift in consciousness, where children, despite societal constraints can boldly reclaim their voices. The onus is now upon us the legal practitioners, community leaders, and policymakers to ensure that their voices are not only acknowledged but actively protected. After all, a society that listens to its children is one that nurtures a just and equitable future.