16/06/2025
SOLIDARITY MESSAGE
Day of the African Child 2025
Women Human Rights Defenders Network in Malawi
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June 16, 2025
On this Day of the African Child, the Women Human Rights Defenders Network in Malawi stands in unwavering solidarity with every child across our continent who continues to face barriers to their fundamental rights and freedoms.
As we commemorate this day under the theme "Planning and budgeting for children's rights: progress since 2010," we reflect on both the strides made and the persistent challenges that demand our collective action. Today marks 49 years since the brave young souls of Soweto took to the streets demanding quality education and dignity—their courage continues to inspire our fight for every African child's rights.
Our Commitment as Women Human Rights Defenders
As women defenders, we recognize that the struggle for children's rights is inseparable from the broader fight for gender equality and social justice. We have witnessed firsthand how girls and young women face compounded vulnerabilities—from child marriage and teenage pregnancy to exclusion from education and limited access to healthcare.
In Malawi, we celebrate the progress made in constitutional protections and policy frameworks. Yet we remain deeply concerned about the gaps between policy and practice, particularly in:
1. Educational Access and Quality: Too many of our children, especially girls, still face barriers to completing their education
2. Health and Nutrition: Malnutrition and preventable diseases continue to rob our children of their potential
3. Protection from Violence: Children, particularly girls, remain vulnerable to various forms of abuse and exploitation
4. Economic Empowerment: Poverty continues to force children into labor instead of classrooms
Our Call to Action
We call upon the Government of Malawi and all duty bearers to:
Prioritize Children in National Budgets: Allocate adequate resources to education, health, and child protection services, ensuring transparency and accountability in spending.
Address Systemic Inequalities: Tackle the root causes that perpetuate discrimination against children, especially girls, children with disabilities, and those from marginalized communities.
Strengthen Child Protection Systems: Enhance mechanisms to prevent and respond to child abuse, exploitation, and harmful traditional practices.
Support Continuation of Education: Implement and enforce policies that allow pregnant girls and young mothers to continue their education without discrimination.
Our Solidarity Extends Beyond Borders
We stand with our sisters and brothers across Africa who are fighting similar battles. From the Horn of Africa to West Africa, from the Sahel to Southern Africa, we recognize that children's rights know no boundaries. The challenges facing Malawian children are echoed across our continent—inadequate funding for education, weak health systems, and persistent inequalities.
We particularly stand with women human rights defenders across Africa who risk their safety and freedom to advocate for children's rights. Your courage in the face of intimidation, harassment, and sometimes violence does not go unnoticed. Together, we are stronger.
A Message of Hope and Determination
To every child in Malawi and across Africa: You are not alone. Your dreams matter. Your voices deserve to be heard. Your rights are non-negotiable.
To our fellow human rights defenders: Let us continue to amplify children's voices, challenge unjust systems, and work tirelessly to create an Africa where every child can thrive with dignity, opportunity, and hope.
To policymakers and leaders: The time for excuses has passed. Children cannot wait for tomorrow's promises—they need action today.
Moving Forward Together
As we commemorate this day, we recommit ourselves to:
• Monitoring government commitments to children's rights and holding leaders accountable
• Supporting community-based initiatives that protect and empower children
• Advocating for increased investment in child-focused programs and services
• Building alliances that strengthen our collective voice for children's rights
• Documenting and reporting violations of children's rights
• Empowering children and young people to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives
The legacy of the Soweto students reminds us that young people have always been catalysts for change. Today, we honor their memory by ensuring that no child's potential is wasted, no voice is silenced, and no dream is deemed impossible.
Together, we will build an Africa fit for children—an Africa where every child's rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.
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In Solidarity,
Women Human Rights Defenders Network in Malawi
"The rights of children are the foundation of our collective future."
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For more information about our work and how to join our efforts,
contact: Secretariat Network :[email protected]
