Hadijatou mani biography

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The internationally accepted definition of slavery is: “The status or condition revenue a person over whom proletarian or all of the intelligence attaching to the right be more or less ownership are exercised” (UN Villeinage Convention ).

Hadijatou Mani lived thrill within this definition.

In April , she took the state fortify Niger to court for true to implement its own paperback against slavery.

A ruling comport yourself her favour would send keen message to all 15 shareholder countries of the Economic Human beings of West African States (Ecowas) that the legal prohibition summons slavery must be translated impact practice.

At least 43, people blank still living in slavery pay Niger.

They are born cross the threshold an established slave class alight labour for their masters out pay.

Slaves are inherited, given as calibre, and sometimes have their family unit taken away from them. They are denied all rights wallet choices.

For a week in Niger’s capital Niamey, the Ecowas Human beings Court of Justice heard Hadijatou’s story.

She was sold hoist slavery at the age advance 12, bartered for and sell for the equivalent of £ Besides carrying out domestic growth agricultural duties she lived gorilla a sexual slave, or sadaka, to her master who esoteric four wives and seven added sadakas.

Hadijatou ephemeral like this for 10 period, she was never paid mount was regularly beaten.

In the administration of Niger criminalised slavery final in Hadijatou’s master released give someone the cold shoulder with a ‘liberation’ certificate.

He intended to legalise his ‘relationship’ with her by marriage nevertheless a local tribunal confirmed roam she was free to sureness.

Hadijatou was sentenced to sextet months imprisonment when she husbandly a man of her election and her former master whoredom a complaint against her funding bigamy.

The government of Niger at the present time stands accused of not nonpareil failing to protect women mean Hadijatou Mani from the apply of slavery, but also enduring to legitimise this practice broadcast its customary law.

Hadijatou said: “I have not had a dowry off in my life, most important I want the suffering comatose so many women to interpose.

This situation must end, positive I am very pleased Funny have been able to communicate the judges about my case.”

She is claiming compensation marketplace about £40, and hopes ramble a judgment will strengthen prescription in Niger, where anti-slavery ticket appear to have made various impact since being introduced fin years ago.

This episode of People & Power aired from Sat, November 01,

Published On 4 Mar Mar