STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATION FOR CHILD PROTECTION ADVOCACY.

Meaningful change begins with the stories we choose to tell. Across Africa, advocates, communicators and child protection champions are increasingly recognizing the power of strategic storytelling to challenge harmful norms, influence public perceptions and inspire collective action. It is within this spirit that our Team Leader, Hope Nankunda joined fellow changemakers in Nairobi, Kenya, for a Communications Skills Strengthening Workshop convened by To Zero, FAWE Uganda, Raising Voices and ECPAT International.

The workshop brought together people from across the continent who are united by a common goal: ensuring that every child grows up safe, protected and free from violence. Through interactive sessions on storytelling, strategic communications and narrative building, they explored how powerful messages can drive action and strengthen advocacy efforts. Discussions focused on understanding dominant narratives surrounding child sexual violence and identifying opportunities to build new affirmative narratives that promote prevention, protection and accountability.

As hosts of Brave movement Uganda, we recognize that communication is far more than sharing information. It is about amplifying the voices of children, survivors, families and communities whose experiences must be heard and valued. Throughout the workshop, members reflected on how storytelling can shape behavior, demonstrate impact, mobilize resources and place lived experiences at the center of decision making. Every story shared represented a step toward creating greater awareness, inspiring hope and advancing solutions to end childhood sexual violence.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from organizations across Africa to strengthen child protection advocacy through purposeful communication. They formed lessons learnt and experiences exchanged have reinforced our resolve to challenge harmful norms and create safer environments for children. As we return to our communities, we carry forward new knowledge and stronger tools to ensure that the voices of those we serve remain at the heart of every conversation, every campaign and every effort to #EndChildhoodSexualViolence.

Prepared By: Dorah Kamwine.