Child rights advocates are calling on the media to consistently report on child protection and gender equality.
Hakim Bbosa,the Program Cordinator, SoS Children’s Village made the observation during a media training session aimed at enhancing skills in reporting on gender equality, child protection, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities at the SoS Children’s Village in Entebbe.
“The media are part of the wider stake holders that can contribute towards advocating for childrens’ rights and their well being to ensure that they have equal opportunity, to access social protection, family and partake in community level participation in decision making,” he said.
His remarks were supported by Akello Beatrice, the National Advocacy and Gender equality Coordinator at SOS Homes, who also called on parliament to ensure that child protection laws are advanced and implemented following the rise in child rights abuse cases.
This is on account that even with the recent introduction of the policy against teenage pregnancies by the government, the rates continue to soar in some parts of the country.
“Our focus is amplifying the voice of the girl child and advancing their dreams. At the age of 16 most rural communities envision the girl to be ready for marriage. Our policy makers should, integrate supporting the survivors of Gender Based violence, and most of all the strategy to end teenage pregnancies,” she remarked.
The organization is now urging government to increase funding to the child protection department of youth and children affairs on account of the failure by majority of district probation and social welfare officers in doing their work to protect the vulnerable.
“In most cases community structures and government departments that are responsible lack facilitation which affects the response rate and our ability to intervene. So it would be better if the government increases the budgetary allocation,” Bbossa noted.
Relatedly, in a bid to combat the climate change crisis, SOS Children’s Villages have this year embarked on numerous climate smart-initiatives highlighted by the Sustainable Climate Resilient Communities, (SURE) Project in Kamwenge and Kabarole Districts.
The 2-year Pilot project supports communities through awareness, community nursery beds and recently identified Eco-Champions, youth advocates for climate change who will participate in the United Nations Climate Change Summit, Conference of the Parties (COP 29).