Strengthening Child Protection: Ministry of Gender, AU, and Partners Map Out Action Plans
Valentine Benjamin Conteh The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in partnership with the African Union (AU) and international development organizations, convened a strategic meeting to tackle pressing child protection challenges nationwide. The session focused on developing actionable solutions to harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and other violations of children’s rights.
Madam Boi-Jeneh Jalloh, Chairperson of the Child Rights Coalition, emphasized the coalition’s ongoing role in drafting the Child Rights Act and working closely with the Ministry to implement interventions aimed at safeguarding vulnerable children. Victoria Squire from Save the Children highlighted programs providing psychosocial support, advocacy, and capacity-building for communities, while AHF detailed initiatives like the Girls Act and Young People’s Program, targeting adolescent health and empowerment.
Representatives from World Vision and Joining Forces stressed their commitment to community-based interventions. The meeting concluded with a set of actionable recommendations and roadmaps designed to strengthen national child protection frameworks and enhance collaboration with the AU, ensuring sustained impact for Sierra Leone’s children.
