About Us
The Women's Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON) is a
grassroots human rights organization, consisting of 25 individuals and 11
organization affiliated members. We are structured by a four (4) member Board of
Trustees and a six (6) member Executive Board. We have a total of of 19 paid
staff and many volunteers in our three (3) office branches situated in Lagos,
Ogun and Enugu states.
WOCON has been engaged in various programs and activities for the enforcement of
the rights of women and children particularly the Girl-child in Nigeria since
its inception in 1995. We are also strong advocates for the entrenchment of
sustainable democracy and good governance in our country.
Violence against women and
children
Special Focus on Human Trafficking
Global trafficking in persons has become one of the most lucrative illicit businesses in the world today, moving between $6 and $12 billion and two million women and children each year. Nigeria is a source country for women and children who are trafficked to Europe for purposes of sexual exploitation, domestic work, and child labor. The country has often been referred to as the "most donating African country in the global sex industry." Nigerian women comprise a large percentage of the African victims of trafficking in Europe.
Although the last decade
has witnessed heightened awareness on the issue of trafficking, it has
emphasized the trafficking of Nigerian women and girls to Europe for
prostitution. This has made the millions of Nigerian children who become victims
of internal and external trafficking for domestic work continue unabated and
unaddressed.
WOCON has made it its mission to cater to their welfare
the women and children who fall victim every year to violence and to human
trafficking. One of the most effective tools against gender violence is
prevention and sensitization on the issue and we do this through the use of
workshops, media and various other public awareness initiatives.