SA’s child protection month goes hand-in-hand with International Day of Families

National Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children, as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Children’s Act (Act No 38 of 2005).

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The week is an important event on the UNICEF calendar and has been celebrated in South Africa since 1997.

According to the Teddy Bear Foundation’s clinical director, Shaheda Omar, the International Day of Families, observed annually on May 15, is not only tied to Child Protection Week; it emphasises the significance of families as fundamental units of society, highlighting issues that affect their well-being. “Its importance and relevance is especially notable in the context of Child Protection Week, or month in South Africa, typically commemorated in late May or early June.”

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The following is an explanation of the importance of the day, and how it connects with child protection in South Africa:

Importance of the International Day of Families:
Global recognition of the family unit:
• Recognised by the United Nations, this day draws attention to the importance of families as the primary support system for individuals, particularly children.
• It encourages policies and initiatives that support family well-being, such as access to health care, education, and protection.
Raising awareness:
• It promotes discussions about social, economic, and demographic issues affecting families globally.
• Themes often include gender equality, child development, and family-friendly policies.
Focus on children and parenting:
• A strong family environment contributes significantly to children’s growth, safety, and emotional health.
• The day provides an opportunity to reflect on parenting responsibilities, and the need for supportive environments for raising children.

Connection to child protection month in South Africa
Shared values and goals:
• Child protection month in South Africa aims to create awareness about children’s rights, and to mobilise all sectors of society to care for and protect children.
• Both observances emphasise safety, nurturing, and development within the family context.
Holistic protection:
• Families are the first line of defence in protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.
• By strengthening families, the International Day of Families indirectly supports the goals of child protection month.
Promoting family-centred interventions:
• South Africa’s Department of Social Development and NGOs often use this time to promote family-based interventions, parenting programmes, and child protection education.
• Celebrating the International Day of Families reinforces the message that stable, informed, and supported families are critical to preventing harm to children.
Advocacy and policy support:
• Both observances create platforms for advocating for family and child-friendly legislation, such as access to social grants, child care support, and educational opportunities.

Omar concluded that the International Day of Families and child protection month in South Africa were closely aligned in purpose. Both highlight the central role of the family in fostering safe, healthy environments for children. “By recognising the importance of families on May 15, South Africa sets the stage for a month-long focus on child protection, reinforcing the message that every child deserves a caring and protective family environment. The key message is that child protection is a whole-of-society effort. It is multi-faceted and requires a multi-pronged approach.”

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