Social Norms or Child Labour?

Abstract

This chapter discusses social norms which purportedly condone “unpaid child labour” as a way of bringing up children, especially girls, in preparation for early marriage in the Maasai community in Kenya. International organisations such as the International Labour Office (ILO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) view “unpaid child labour” as detrimental to children's education and welfare. Yet, in the Maasai culture, it is viewed as a way mothers prepare girls to be responsible married women from an early age. Findings revealed that the young educated Maasai girls and boys who are “agents of change” are actively engaged in sensitising their communities and advocating for the rights of girls, and women. The Chapter recommends that the Government of Kenya, international NGOs and stakeholders work together with agents of change in their communities to create awareness concerning children's rights.