Children in Malawi face numerous challenges, including child marriages, trafficking, and various forms of physical and sexual abuse. These violations significantly affect their development and overall well-being. Malawi has one of the highest rates of child marriages in the world, with approximately one in two girls married before the age of 18, ranking ninth in Africa. In addition to early marriages, children are subjected to abuse in different forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional harm. One in five girls experiences sexual abuse before the age of 18, with the most common forms being unwanted attempted sex and unwanted sexual touching. These violations have long-lasting impacts, such as school dropouts, and put girls at a higher risk of maternal death.
Child trafficking is also a serious issue in Malawi, with traffickers luring children from rural areas under false promises of employment, lodging, or clothing, only to exploit them for prostitution or forced labor. Children are also coerced into begging, working in small businesses, and in some cases, even forced into labor in fishing industries. The lack of safe, conducive learning environments leads to high dropout rates, particularly in upper classes, further hindering children’s growth and future prospects.
In response, NGOGCN will focus on:
a. Eliminating child rights violations
b. Promoting equitable education and training opportunities for both boys and girls
Strategic Issue: Child rights violations, such as early marriage, trafficking, and abuse, deprive children of their rights and hinder their cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual development. All children have the right to education, dignity, and development. They must be fully supported to enjoy these rights without discrimination or interference, with duty bearers ensuring these protections are upheld.
Strategic Goal: Ensure that both girls and boys fully enjoy and realize their human rights in a child-friendly environment.
i. Strategic Objective 1: Protect children from human rights violations.
ii. Strategic Objective 2: Improve retention of boys and girls in senior primary and junior secondary school.