“E Seng Mo Ngwaneng” campaign launch in Shakawe

The First Lady, Mrs. Neo Jane Masisi will officiate at the launch of the second phase of the “E Seng Mo Ngwaneng” National Campaign on August 10, 2022, in Shakawe, under the theme “End Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.” 

The campaign, a collaborative effort between Government and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) follows growing concern over increasing incidences of violence against children, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The second phase of the campaign seeks to promote reporting of violence against children and advocate for cases of violence against children to be expedited at all levels. Furthermore, the campaign aims to engage the public including community leaders to mobilize action on preventing and responding to violence against children. Additionally, communities will be sensitized to identify and reject social and moral norms linked to violence against children. The campaign will also focus on strengthening the capacity of frontline workers such as police and social workers to respond to any form of violence against children. As part of the campaign, Child-friendly police centres will be set up in selected districts through a phased approach to encourage abused children and their families to report.
 
According to the last national study on Violence Against Children, which was conducted in 2016, about 9% of girls experienced sexual violence in childhood and 28% experienced physical violence in childhood. Among girls who have experienced sexual violence, less than 18 percent received help. Furthermore, 43% of boys experienced physical violence while 6% suffered sexual violence in childhood.