Govt, UNICEF tackle harmful cultural practices undermining child protection

The Zambian government has raised concerns that deeply rooted cultural practices continue to fuel child marriages, violence, and neglect—threatening the rights and overall well-being of children across the country.

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Angela Kawandami, stressed the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration to improve child welfare.

Her remarks were delivered in a speech read on her behalf by Patrick Choolwe, Director of the Department of Planning and Information, during a courtesy meeting with UNICEF and Roth Communications at the Ministry headquarters in Lusaka on Wednesday.

The government, in partnership with UNICEF, had engaged Roth Communications to support a national Child Protection Social Behaviour Change (SBC) campaign.

She said the initiative will explore mechanisms for shifting harmful social norms and improving communication around child protection.

Key campaign focus areas will include violence prevention, birth registration, awareness of child protection legislation—such as the Children’s Code and the Marriage Amendment Act—as well as the prevention of early marriages.

“Improved and targeted communication strategies will help shift these narratives and enhance the uptake of key child protection messages,” Kawandami noted.

UNICEF Child Protection Officer, Emelia Allan, applauded the government for its sustained efforts to strengthen child safeguarding systems.

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