Child Protection in The Gambia

Defining Child Protection

100

Define a child

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) “a child means every human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.”

200

What is child protection?

Preventing and responding to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence against children thereby ensuring the best interests of the  child.

300

What are the key child protection issues?

•  Violence & abuse (corporal punishment, sexual abuse)

•  Harmful practices (child marriage, FGM)

•  Child labor & trafficking

•  Children on the move (migration risks)

400

What is a child protection system?

A child protection system is: A set of laws, policies, institutions, services, and community structures working together to prevent and respond to harm against children focused on prevention, protection, care, and justice(UNICEF, 2019).

500

Who are the key child protection actors in The Gambia?

Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Welfare

Department of Social Welfare (DSW)

The Gambia Police Force (GPF)

Ministry of Justice / Judiciary

Ministry of Health

Local Government Authorities

NGOs, CSOs, CBOs

Communities and families

Response to Child Protection Violations

100

Define trauma

 

Trauma: A response to overwhelming or frightening experiences which is commonly stems from cases of abuse, violence, neglect, child marriage,FGM,exploitation, which can be single-event or ongoing

200

Name at least 3 of the challenges related to Child Protection in The Gambia

•  Underreporting due to stigma/fear

•  Limited resources & services

•  Weak enforcement of laws

•  Cultural norms sustaining harmful practices

300

What to do when providing ethical and trauma informed response?

• Speak calmly and respectfully
• Use child-friendly language
• Listen without blaming or judging
• Allow the child to tell their story at their pace
• Explain procedures clearly
• Ensure privacy and confidentiality

400

What is a trauma informed approach?

A trauma-informed approach:

• Recognizes the impact of trauma
• Understands trauma-related behaviors
• Responds in ways that promote safety and healing
• Avoids re-traumatization

500

What not to do when providing trauma informed care?

• Do not shout, threaten, or intimidate
• Do not force disclosure
• Do not blame or question credibility
• Do not expose the child to unnecessary interviews
• Do not share information without authorization

Response to Child Protection Violations 2

100

What is the role of police in child protection matters?

• First point of contact matters
• Protect the child from immediate harm
• Refer to appropriate child protection services
• Coordinate with social welfare, health, and NGOs
• Uphold ethics and professionalism at all times

200

Name at least 3 of the core ethical principles concerning Child Protection.

• Best Interest of the Child
• Do No Harm
• Confidentiality
• Informed Consent & Assent
• Non-Discrimination
• Respect for Dignity and Rights

300

Name at least two of the laws concerning child protection in The Gambia?

•  National Child Protection Strategy (2016–2020)

•  Children’s Act (2005)

•  National Social Protection Policy (2015–2025)

•  International commitments: CRC, African Charter

400

Define the National Child Protection Strategy (2016-2020)

The Child Protection Strategy (2016–2020) of The Gambia aims to ensure that all children are protected from violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. It envisions a comprehensive child protection system that safeguards children's rights and enables them to achieve their full potential.

500

What are the key principles of trauma informed care?

• Safety – physical and emotional
• Trust & Transparency
• Choice – child participation
• Collaboration – working with the child
• Empowerment – building strength

Child Marriage

100

Define child marriage

Child marriage refers to any formal marriage or informal union where one or both partners are under the age of 18

200

What are some of the drivers of child marriage in The Gambia?

Tradition or culture

Religion

Poverty

Menarche or wet dreams being seen as a sign of reaching maturity

Low level of education

300

What is the global prevalence of child marriage?

•650 million girls and women alive today were married as children.

•Globally around 21% of young women were married before their 18th birthday.

37% of young women in sub-Saharan Africa married before age 18

400

What is the prevalence of Child Marriage in The Gambia?

MICS 2018: 25.7% of women 20-24 married before 18, 7.5% married before 15.

500

State the prevalence of Child Marriage in rural and urban Gambia

According to MICS 2018

Rural:  marriage before 18 (43.7%)

           marriage before 15 (13.7%)

Urban: marriage before 18 (19.3%)

           marriage before 15 (5.3%)

Child Marriage 2

100

How does child marriage impact education?

• School dropout: Child marriage is a major driver of girls leaving school early, cutting off opportunities for learning and skills development.
• Gender disparities: In many communities, boys’ education is prioritized over girls’, reinforcing unequal opportunities.
• Long-term effects: Lower education levels reduce lifetime earnings and limit women’s participation in decision‑making roles.

200

Which areas in The Gambia have the lowest prevalence of child marriage (before age 18)?

Banjul (10.6%)

300

What is the impact of child marriage?

Reproductive health complications

Higher infant/maternal mortality

Educational consequences

Socio-economic consequences

Gender inequity

Psychosocial consequences

 

400

What is the impact of child marriage on health?

• Early pregnancy risks and complications such as higher rates of obstructed labor, fistula, and maternal mortality 
• Poor maternal and child health such as higher risks of low birth weight, premature birth, and infant mortality.
• Mental health strain: Isolation from peers, loss of childhood, and exposure to violence take a heavy psychological toll.

500

Which areas in the Gambia have the highest prevalence of child marriage (before the age of 18)?

Janjanburreh (49.7%), Kuntaur (49.3%)