CHILDREN TO THE FORE! - SAfAIDS

STAGE 1Recognition and realisation of children's rights by the individual, parents, adults,children and the community, including custodians of culture such as Chiefs andheadmenSTAGE 2Involvement of other strategic partners who can contribute towards policychange or implementation, such as the health sector, Government, UN agenciesNGOs, law-makers, policy-makers and community personnel (teachers, nurses,doctors, elders)STAGE 3Recognising the support structures in place to promote children's rights, such aslaws, policies, children's organisations, child protection units and communitycustodians – leaders, chiefs and eldersSTAGE 4The final and most important stage is the pinnacle of the ladder where, throughcollective efforts, we begin to realise environmental changeUsing the Ladder of Hope:Step 1: State your purpose/intention, e.g. – To shift attitudes and mindsets on childsexual abuse,especially in relation to young girls.Step 2: Recognise the challenge – Child sexual abuse is a serious violation of girls' rightsand has serious consequences for their health and development,including HIV risks .Step 3: Identify what we want to change – Individuals,families and communities need toinvest more in girls, by protecting them through open communication, respect andprovision of a safe,protective environment.Through a collective approach,individuals andcommunities will no longer ignore the gender dynamics contributing to HIV, and insteadwill become an active part of the response and the solution.Step 4: Anticipated outcome – A healthy community in which girls are safe and protectedfrom the threats that make them more vulnerable to HIV,through the use of good culturalpractices, such as open communication, equal gender roles and responsibilities, and loveand protection. Community responses will also factor in, and address important relatedissues, such as male sexual responsibility and high levels of gender violence in thecommunity.66Handbook on Child Rights and Culture