Child Sensitive Social Policies International Conference 2014

With support from UNICEF Zimbabwe, the Women’s University in Africa hosted the first International Child Sensitive Social Policies conference recently at the Meikles hotel in Harare. The theme for this conference was “Towards a Child Sensitive Society in Zimbabwe”

Professor Hope Sadza (Vice Chancellor of Women’s University in Africa) in her speech mentioned that many countries have struggled with increasing incidences of violence and exploitation of children, neglect and social exclusion of vulnerable children especially girls and children with disabilities. When matters stand like this then there is no other way than to call for in depth investigations about how child protection and social protection systems operate, their shortcomings; their success and if they can be improved. Through the partnership between the Women’s University in Africa and UNICEF, the former is offering a Post-Graduate Diploma in Child Sensitive Social Policies (CSSP), meant to promote the rights and wellbeing of children and women.

Someone once said that “anything for us, without us is against us!” and true to the saying, the conference engaged children and gave them an opportunity to participate in discussions on matters that affect them. Delegates at the conference included Mr Reza Hossaini, the UNICEF country representative in Zimbabwe, Dr David Parirenyatwa, The Minister of Health and Child Welfare including students, academics, non-governmental organizations, research networks, international agencies and donors from various African countries.