Empowering Africa’s Children: World Vision Presents Child‑Friendly Africa Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 12 February 2026 — World Vision today marked a significant milestone at the 39th African Union Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa with the formal presentation of the Child Friendly Version of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls to H.E. Ambassador Amma Twum Amoah, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.

This landmark moment goes beyond the handover of a publication—it reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the AU’s historic Convention reaches the very children and young people it is meant to protect.

Speaking during the handover, Ms. Lilian Dodzo, World Vision’s Regional Director for East Africa, underscored the importance of making child protection frameworks accessible to all.
She noted that the simplified version “is not only accessible to children, but also remarkably user‑friendly for adults—making it a powerful resource for communities, caregivers, teachers, and advocates to help children understand their rights, and advocate for themselves and others."

By translating complex legal concepts into child‑appropriate language, the booklet equips children to understand their rights, recognise abuse, and participate meaningfully in efforts to prevent violence.

Mr. Sam Norgah, Director of World Vision’s AU Liaison Office, highlighted the strong partnership with the AU Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, noting that their collaboration was instrumental in shaping the final version. He emphasised the need for collective action across the continent to accelerate ratification and implementation of the Convention by all AU Member States.

In receiving the booklet, H.E. Ambassador Twum Amoah commended World Vision for this timely contribution and offered a forward‑looking recommendation:

“There must be a strong lobby to ensure this child‑friendly version is integrated into school curricula across the continent. This will guarantee that every child—regardless of their literacy levels at home—can access, understand, and benefit from the protections provided by the Convention.”

She further stressed the urgency of heightened efforts to safeguard women and girls amid rising incidents of violence across Africa.

Today’s handover reinforces the strong partnership between World Vision and the African Union, and marks an important step toward building a continent where every child is informed, protected, and empowered to help shape a safer and more just future.

Note to editor 

Violence against women and girls remains one of Africa’s most pervasive human rights violations, with devastating impacts on health, education, and wellbeing. Children, especially girls, are among the most vulnerable due to age, dependence, and limited access to protection. To address this, the African Union adopted the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG) during its 38th Ordinary Session in February 2025, marking a historic commitment to eliminate all forms of violence. Yet, legal documents often use technical language that children and young people find difficult to understand. To bridge this gap, the AU Liaison Office, in partnership with the AU Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, developed this Child-Friendly Version of AU CEVAWG. It simplifies the original text into accessible language and visuals, making it engaging and culturally relevant for children and adolescents across Africa.

This resource aims to educate, empower, and inspire action, helping children understand their rights, advocate for themselves and others, and contribute to a violence-free world.

This document is a tool for awareness and participation, affirming that children are active agents of change in families, schools, and communities. We invite children, caregivers, educators, and policymakers to use this guide to foster dialogue, strengthen protection systems, and advance an Africa where every woman and girl lives free from violence.

Download the Child Friendly Convention:
Scan the QR code below to access the booklet.

For more information contact 

Sam Norgah | Director, African Union Liaison Office | World Vision International - Samuel_Norgah@wvi.org

Joy Kivata  | Regional Manager - Communication & Public Engagement |World Vision joyce_kivata@wvi.org