In relation to children s rights in general and child abuse and protection in particular we feel strongly that separate projects and separate funding should be identified where possible. We acknowledge that there are some similarities to be found in issues relating to women and children. However, we feel that a failure to identify separate funding sources and projects which relate solely to children is in effect a denial of their basic right to be treated as individuals. Children are not an extension of women and should not be treated as such, furthermore, packaging of women s and children s issues is an implicit denial that women can ever be a source of danger and abuse to children. Women as much as men require education on the rights of children, women are also abusers of children through direct or indirect means.
Children have the right to have their voices heard and their problems acknowledged and addressed.
Aid funding and projects should not deny them this right. We will now consider a range of strategies which may be adopted in countries seeking to develop and implement effective child protection systems. Defining child abuse Before strategies can be developed to address child abuse it will be necessary for clear definitions of what constitutes abuse to be identified. Such definitions must be realistic, workable, encompass cultural and societal norms and be agreed by all relevant parties. Suggested strategy Planned, structured workshops which are participative and interactive and which involve representatives from relevant professional groups, community leaders, religious leaders, government departments, non governmental organisations and academics.