Community-based, endogenous and ubuntu inspired child protection mechanisms: case of the girl power program in addressing school-related gender-based violence in Chibombo District of Zambia

Abstract

This article seeks to argue the relevance of community-based child protection mechanisms to address school-related gender-based violence, through the Girl Power Programme in Zambia implemented by Plan International, specifically in Chibombo District. Community based child protection mechanisms, although not heavily recognised and acclaimed, are one of the most significant ways of addressing an array of community problems in many parts of Africa, Zambia inclusive. Results revealed that these local level structures are easily accessible in communities, community members have trust in these structures because they are informed by local norms and practices and undoubtedly, these structures are sustainable after those who either helped to strengthen or establish them are long gone from the communities. A plethora of evidence to justify and support the relevance of these structures from various perspectives has been provided in this article.

Keywords: Child protection, child protection systems, Community based child protection mechanisms (CBCPMs), school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV), endogenous