Child Protection in The Gambia

Defining Child Protection

Response to Child Protection Violations

Response to Child Protection Violations 2

Child Marriage

Child Marriage 2

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.”

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

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

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

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

What is child protection?

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

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

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

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

200

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

Banjul (10.6%)

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)

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

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

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

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 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).

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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%)

500

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

Janjanburreh (49.7%), Kuntaur (49.3%)