We aim to raise awareness about the atrocities committed during mica extraction through our project. Readers are advised to switch to alternatives that are more socially responsible.
What specific problem are you trying to solve?
While researching the topic we found a video in which a reporter interviewed Ramesh, an 11-year-old minor from the state of Jharkhand who had to go to work in the mica mines for his family's livelihood. When a reporter asked him about how he felt working in the mine he replied "It is very dark and suffocating inside the pits but I have no other choice but to work here". When the reporter further questioned "Then, why don't you quit working in the mine?" Ramesh replied "काम करेंगे नहीं तो खाएंगे क्या?" which translates to "If we don't work, what will we eat?"
The problem that we are trying to solve with our project is to prevent atrocities committed during mica extraction. It is a large-scale problem in a few parts of India and Madagascar. It is estimated that 22,000 children as young as four work in mica mines in the states of Jharkhand and Bihar in India. Approximately 10,000 Malagasy children, as young as age 4, work in the most inhumane form of child labor alongside their families to extract mica to survive.
Poor economic conditions and a lack of job opportunities are two of the major reasons for the exploitation of child labor in these mines.
Due to the above conditions, children forced to work in these mines suffer various temporary and long-term health effects, and even death is not unheard of. They are also deprived of their basic SDG goals like Good Health and Well Being and Quality Education.
Elevator pitch
What is your solution?
Mica may look pretty, but everything behind its production is not, not even a teeny bit.
Our solution to this problem is simple. The goal of our campaign is to raise awareness of the exploitation and brutality faced by mica miners. We urge people to convert to and use mica-free cosmetics and personal care products. Alternatives that are more socially responsible and ethical are available on the market.
Let’s transform our knowledge into action by choosing synthetic mica and other alternatives in our makeup and cosmetics. That's how we can put a stop to unethical mining practices and help build an ethical, transparent and eco-friendly industry. Step by step, every action counts!
Synthetic mica has the same special characteristics as natural mica. It mimics mica's shimmering effects without harming the environment.
When we think about it we can realize that the children of these families have to work in the mica mines due to a lack of job security for their parents and also poor economic conditions. Those who want to set up companies in such places should be encouraged by the government and other multinational companies. The government should continue to implement welfare and development schemes in the Jharkhand and Bihar mica mining areas. The government should also ensure that every child between the ages of six and fourteen receives free and compulsory education in a neighborhood school. This will enable them to work in an ethical and hygienic environment.
Who does your solution serve? In what ways will the solution impact their lives?
The problem that we are trying to solve with our project is to prevent atrocities committed during mica extraction. It is a large-scale problem in a few parts of India and Madagascar. It is estimated that 22,000 children as young as four work in mica mines in the states of Jharkhand and Bihar in India. Approximately 10,000 Malagasy children, as young as age 4, work in the most inhumane form of child labor alongside their families to extract mica to survive.
Through our solution, their problem will be spread to a great many people who can try to help them by providing sustainable jobs and better working conditions.
How are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?
We are well-positioned to deliver this solution since we have been working on the topic for over three months and have gained a great deal of insight into miners' problems and challenges.
We can help spread awareness of the topic through the community around us virtually and physically. We have been educating the people around us about this topic by conducting seminars and through word of mouth.
Our initiative was supported by our peers and mentors who also actively participated in the seminars at our school.
What steps have you taken to understand the needs of the population you want to serve?
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Which aspects of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?
Improving financial and economic opportunities for all (Economic Prosperity)
What is your solution’s stage of development?
Growth: An organization with an established product, service, or business model rolled out in at least one community, which is poised for further growth
In what city, town, or region is your solution team located?
