Child Protection

ChildFund has called for strengthened collective action to address the persistent challenges facing girls in Zambia, urging communities, government, and partners to work together to advance gender equality and create a safer, more inclusive future for every girl.

Speaking in a statement to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, ChildFund Country Director Mr. Victor Koyi reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to standing with girls across Zambia and around the world celebrating their strength, resilience, and leadership.

“This year’s theme, ‘The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,’ is a powerful declaration,” said Mr. Koyi. “It reminds us that girls are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are already leading today; in their homes, in their schools, and in their communities.”

Mr. Koyi emphasised that when girls are given equal opportunities, their impact is immeasurable. Across ChildFund-supported communities, girls are taking the lead, from managing school clubs that challenge harmful norms, to advocating against child marriage, and using their voices to demand access to education, healthcare, and protection.

Challenges persist despite progress

Despite these inspiring examples, many girls in Zambia continue to face significant and deeply rooted barriers.

Mr. Koyi highlighted that issues such as child marriage, gender-based violence, poverty, and limited access to education and leadership opportunities remain widespread.

Citing the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey and UNICEF, he revealed that 1 in 3 girls in Zambia is married before the age of 18, with rural girls being the most affected.

According to the Zambia Police, between April and June 2025, the country recorded 10,170 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Of these, children accounted for 22.1% of victims, and girls made up 73.4% of those cases.

“These are real societal issues,” Mr. Koyi stressed. “They demand action from all of us.”

As the world passes the halfway point toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, Mr. Koyi warned that progress is too slow, noting that poverty, inequality, environmental shocks, and conflict continue to deny many children, especially girls, the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe.

“If we fail to act now, the cost will be measured in lost childhoods, lost potential, and lost lives,” he cautioned.

Mr. Koyi reaffirmed ChildFund’s belief that every child deserves the chance to grow up safe, healthy, educated, and skilled — whether at home, in school, in the community, or online.

He added that this vision includes every girl, because the SDGs are about leaving no one behind.

ChildFund is working closely with children, youth, families, local organisations, and government institutions to accelerate progress where it matters most.

From rural villages to urban neighbourhoods, ChildFund’s programmes strengthen child protection systems, build community resilience, and support girls to stay in school and lead change in their communities.

“We are helping communities lead sustainable change so that no child is left behind,” Mr. Koyi said. “That is why we continue to collaborate with government, civil society, communities, and families to strengthen protection systems, keep girls in school, and promote positive, gender-equitable norms.”

He added that ChildFund is also creating safe spaces where girls can grow, lead, and thrive.

“You are not too young. You are not too small. You are enough. You are powerful. You are the change we need. Never let anyone tell you otherwise,” Mr. Koyi encouraged.