Plan Zambia's campaign against child sexual abuse

Plan Zambia has been carrying out educational sessions on children’s rights

14 December 2007: Plan Zambia has launched a child protection campaign in its Mansa Program Unit, aimed at increasing awareness and improving responses to child sexual abuse cases.

A symposium in the Mansa district revealed that sexual abuse of children in Zambia is common in families and schools, with isolated cases of abuse at health centres.

The child protection campaign was developed in line with the ‘Learn Without Fear’ global campaign to target violence in schools.

Inadequate responses to abuse

120 children and 37 adult support members attended the 5 day children's symposium in September. Open dialogue with the children about critical issues affecting them confirmed that child sexual violence was the top issue.

Child sexual abuse has been shown to lead to child marriage, pregnancy, school drop-out, drug and substance abuse, HIV and AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections, among other issues.

Despite a rise in reporting of child sexual abuse cases, the responses to the cases are often inadequate and inappropriate. 

Child victims of sexual abuse face stigma and discrimination, and have little support from government staff in protection, due to poor attitudes towards sexual abuse and a lack of understanding.

Key aims of the campaign

One aim of the child protection campaign is to provide adequate information for children and the general public about sexual abuse. Plan Zambia has been carrying out educational sessions on children’s rights for children and parents, key government institutions and local court justices. 

As a result of increased awareness, child rights groups are now reporting cases of abuse at a community level.

Plan Zambia is also working closely with organisations, such as the Police Victim Support Unit, to mobilise resources and train community members, including children, in child rights. 

Together with these partners, Plan Zambia is making efforts to strengthen the relationship with the social welfare office, and is drafting a joint position statement.

Learn more about the ‘Learn Without Fear’ global campaign.
View a story on the symposium on Lusaka Times Online.