Abstract #252  -  Gender Variations in Child Protection Outcomes and Effectiveness of Community-based interventions: Findings from Zambia and Uganda
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr Jane Chege - World Vision International
Additional Authors:  Mrs Martha Newsome, Mrs  Annie Kaseketi, Mr Nathan Chitelele, MS Joan Mugenzi, Rev Siyani Zimba,
Aim: The current almost exclusive focus of social protection programming on measures to promote economic security is limited in addressing non-economic / material child protection outcomes. This paper will present findings from a longitudinal operations research project that explores the impact of the interventions on key child wellbeing outcomes.
Method / Issue: Data is from an on-going longitudinal study designed to assess the impact of community-based HIV programming models that aim to improve the wellbeing of orphaned and vulnerable children and reduce children’s vulnerability to HIV risk behaviours. Analysis relied on baseline and first and second follow-up quantitative surveys with eligible (10-59 years) household members and qualitative data from children and adults in the intervention and comparison sites of the study. Analysis focused on identifying the impact of the interventions on child protection outcomes.
Results / Comments: Baseline results reveal gender and orphan and vulnerable children status differences in children’s access to sufficient food, health care, education and protection from abuse and exploitation. Females and orphaned and vulnerable children were significantly more likely than their non-orphan and vulnerable children and male counterparts to do well in these child wellbeing outcomes. The follow-up surveys indicated marked improvements in orphan and vulnerable children and female children’s access to adequate food and healthcare. Although community groups developed some measures to protect children from early marriage and sexual abuse and ensure school participation, these measures have not translated into statistically significant improvements for the girl child current school attendance and in child protection outcomes of child marriage, sexual abuse and early sexual initiation.
Discussion: The results of the study highlight child protection issues that require integrated economic (cash and in-kind support) and non-economic social protection programmes. The challenge is to identify intervention strategies that are effective in transforming child abuse practices that increase children’s vulnerability to risk HIV infection behaviours. Further research is required to explore the relative effectiveness of communication for behaviour change interventions that aim to transform social norms through strong community involvement and dialogue in enhancing the effectiveness of non-economic social protection interventions.
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