Protecting Every Girl: Stakeholders Strengthen Child Safeguarding Efforts in Chilumba
On 30 May 2026, Wasambo Education Foundation (WEF) convened a powerful stakeholders meeting led by the Girls Empowerment Officer. The meeting brought together key actors in child protection to strengthen coordination, accountability, and collective action in safeguarding the rights and future of girls in Chilumba.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Social Welfare Department, the Malawi Police Service, Mother Groups, Club Patrons and Matrons, the WEF Administrator, and other members of the WEF team. The discussions centered on strengthening collaboration in preventing abuse, improving reporting systems, and ensuring timely response to cases affecting girls.
A Shared Mission: No Child Left Unprotected
Stakeholders reaffirmed a shared understanding that protecting the girl child is not the responsibility of one institution, but a coordinated duty involving all community structures.
The Social Welfare Department emphasized that every child below the age of 18 must be protected by all duty bearers, including community leaders, religious leaders, elders, schools, families, the police, and the justice system. They stressed that safeguarding children is a collective responsibility that requires vigilance, coordination, and early intervention.
Malawi Police Service: Frontline Defenders of Child Safety
The Malawi Police Service highlighted their critical role as frontline protectors of children. They emphasized that all cases of abuse, including defilement, child marriage, and gender-based violence, are serious criminal offenses that must be reported immediately through Victim Support Units.
Beyond enforcement, the police also play a preventive role in child protection by conducting community and school-based awareness sessions. These sessions aim to educate learners on their rights, personal safety, and the importance of reporting abuse early.
They further committed to strengthening collaboration with schools, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure faster response to cases and improved protection systems for vulnerable girls.
Mother Groups: Community Guardians of Girls’ Wellbeing
Mother Group representatives shared their role in guiding and mentoring girls within the community. They support girls in maintaining positive behaviour, provide counselling, and closely monitor their wellbeing even outside school hours.
They also support teenage mothers by encouraging them to return to school after childbirth and helping them rebuild confidence in their education journey.
