Girls Education

Violence against children occurs all over the world and in all social groups. Violence can be psychological, physical or sexual and may take many different forms. It may be a question of neglect, child labour and child marriage, genital mutilation, buying or selling children for sexual purposes or recruiting children to armed groups. Violence is often experienced in the child's everyday life – on the street, at school or in the home – from someone the child knows.

Safety nets disappear when communities lock down Lockdowns of communities to reduce the spread of Covid-19 can have particularly devastating consequences for girls and women. Reports of violence against girls and women in the home have increased since quarantine rules began to be introduced and people's freedom of movement was restricted.

We focus particularly on our work to promote gender equality – since lack of gender inequality is a root cause of men's and boys' violence against girls. GAMANA supports children who have been victims of violence and abuse by talking to them, including providing support during legal proceedings, and works to recognise the violence that adults and peers inflict on children and make it visible. Children need frequent opportunities to practice their literacy skills and to accept reading as an enjoyable activity so that they are motivated to keep learning. Our community-based strategies are designed to complement school-based activities.