Child protection in Zambia remains under serious pressure as violence against children, weak protection systems, and poor access to essential services continue putting many children at risk, with national evidence showing that nearly 50 percent of Zambians experience violence during childhood.
Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Child Fund Protection Specialist Chimuka Hamusunse said one of the biggest challenges affecting child protection is lack of coordination and cultural beliefs that clash with modern child protection methods.
“We are failing to accept that things have moved and so we need to also evolve with the way life has evolved,” Hamusunse said.
National evidence further shows that most abuse cases happen in homes and communities, with many perpetrators being people known to the child.
Hamusunse explained that many people still believe old methods of raising children are correct, making it difficult for modern child protection systems to work effectively.
However,he revealed that authorities sometimes fail to respond quickly to child abuse cases because of inadequate funding and shortage of social welfare officers.
“The structure doesn’t allow them to be everywhere when you need them,” Hamusunse explained.
He said in some cases officers only respond after one or two days, which may already be too late for the child involved.
Hamusunse also disclosed that Zambia does not have enough shelters and support systems for abused and abandoned children, with only a few districts having safe shelters.
He noted that there is still hope if government increases funding and strengthens awareness campaigns on child protection.
Article by Catherine Mwansa
