Mozambique launches national campaign to end violence against children

Approximately 1 000 boys and girls literally and symbolically blew the horn on early marriage, sexual abuse and other harmful practices, at the launch of a Vision Mozambique’s national campaign to end violence against children in the country. 

As the sound of vuvuzelas (plastic horns) echoed throughout the event, held in Maputo, colorful balloons were released into the sky to signify hope for a brighter future for children. 

World Vision’s campaign to end violence against children prioritizes strengthening of the child protection legal framework, as well as a change in behaviors, attitudes and practices that constitute and, or instigate violation of children’s rights.

The launch in Mozambique is part of World Vision International five-year global campaign to end violence against children.  With the tagline, ‘It takes a world to end violence against children’, World Vision is rolling out this campaign with partners in 70 of its offices worldwide.

Officiating at the launch which coincided with the International Children’s Day, Mozambique’s first lady, Isaura Nyusi, called on communities to rally behind the World Vision initiative. Mrs. Nyusi said the campaign is expected to positively contribute to the well-being of at least 3,7 million children by 2021.

Addressing the same gathering, World Vision Southern Africa regional director, Rudo Kayombo, reiterated the call that ‘it takes all of us to end violence against children’. Mrs. Kayombo also pleaded with communities to ‘let children be children’.

The campaign is guided by World Health Organization’s INSPIRE package of seven evidence-based best practices to end violence against children. 

World Vision’s campaign aligns with and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 16.2 to “end the abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children”.