Joining Forces to End Violence Against Children in Solomon Islands
We’re joining forces with ChildFund and World Vision to help ensure children in Solomon Islands are safe, protected from violence and that their voices are heard on issues that concern them.
Why children in Solomon Islands need better protection
In the Solomon Islands, children’s right to live free from harm, abuse and neglect is threatened by persistent social norms that accept high levels of violence within homes, schools and communities. Our Unseen Unsafe Report showed 72% (or 212,687) of children aged 1-14 in Solomon Islands have experienced some form of violent discipline at home, while more than one in five (21%) adolescent girls (aged 15-19) have experienced some form of physical violence and 11% have been sexually abused at some point in their lives, including childhood.
Joining Forces Endim Vaelens Agenstim Pikinini programme
Supported by the New Zealand Government, and in conjunction with our Protektim Pikinini Moa project, the coalition of Save the Children, ChildFund and World Vision will work at a community, regional and national level to support families and communities to protect children, respond to and address child protection issues.
This includes working alongside the Solomon Islands Government on policy and legislative reforms to protect children from all forms of violence. Particular legislation highlighted for reform by the coalition is the Islanders’ Marriage Act, which currently puts the legal age of marriage in Solomon Islands at 15.
The coalition will also work to increase children’s participation and introduce children’s voices into legislative processes and issues that concern them to become agents of change in Solomon Islands and advocates for ending violence against children.
How we know we're making a difference
We believe that real impact for children will only be achieved through collaboration and partnerships. Our Joining Forces Coalition harnesses the strengths, technical expertise and existing networks of each organisation and brings them together to create a stronger force for change.
"This coalition marks a significant milestone in our longstanding commitment to improving the lives of children across the Pacific," says Save the Children New Zealand’s Chief Executive Heidi Coetzee.
"Collectively, we are stronger. Ending violence against children across the Pacific is an ambitious goal but we need to be ambitious for children if we are to ensure children are protected, and able to live happy, healthy lives, now and into the future."
We’re also working closely with the government in Solomon Islands as well as faith, cultural and community leaders, schools, teachers and, children and youth. Violence against children is a breach of their rights to live free from abuse, harm, neglect and exploitation.
Who makes our programme possible
Through Aotearoa New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation Programme — Ngā Hoe Tuputupu-mai-tawhiti, Kiwis are providing children in Solomon Islands and around the world with the chance to achieve a brighter future. Find out more here. This programme is also supported by our generous regular givers, whose monthly contribution to our life-changing work in Aotearoa and around the world make projects like this possible.
Save the Children works in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government.
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