Taking strides to expand the global mission to end child sexual exploitation, ECPAT International proudly welcomes Children’s Voice as the newest member of its global network. Drawing from nearly two decades of grassroots work, Children’s Voice has emerged as a powerful advocate for the well-being and protection of vulnerable children in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Established in 2002, Children’s Voice distinguishes itself through its community-centred approach, recognising the importance of creating programmes in collaboration with, rather than just for, the communities they serve. By involving women and children in the design, planning, and implementation of intervention programmes, Children’s Voice ensures that these initiatives are truly embraced by those directly impacted.
“As the first ECPAT member from the DRC, ECPAT International is honoured to welcome Children’s Voice to our global network,” said Guillaume Landry, Executive Director of ECPAT International. “Their expertise in community engagement and grassroots initiatives will undoubtedly enrich our shared mission. Through this partnership, we’re poised to advance child protection not only on a national level, but also deep within communities.”
In the DRC, the harrowing effects of widespread poverty, war, and armed conflicts have forced children into harmful survival strategies, including early marriage and sexual exploitation in prostitution. Through a range of programmes encompassing psychosocial assistance, school reintegration, and vocational training, Children’s Voice has worked tirelessly to reverse this distressing trend, providing a lifeline to a safer, brighter future for orphans and vulnerable children.
“Joining ECPAT’s global network is a pivotal moment for Children’s Voice.” expressed Christine Musaidizi, Executive Director of Children’s Voice. “We look forward to collaborating with fellow members to strengthen our tools and methods to forge lasting change within our communities and beyond in the DRC.”
ECPAT International stands as a united front of 126 civil society organisations spread across over 100 nations, each passionately committed to the shared vision of eradicating the sexual exploitation of children. Harnessing the power of over three decades of experience in multi-stakeholder engagement and partnership management, our expansive network operates on national, regional, and global levels. We relentlessly drive forward, fuelled by the conviction that every child deserves a world free from sexual exploitation.
For more information about this, please contact Andrew Beaton at communications@ecpat.org or Christine Musaidizi at christine@children-voice.org.
About ECPAT International
ECPAT International stands as a united front of 126 civil society organisations spread across over 100 nations, each passionately committed to the shared vision of eradicating the sexual exploitation of children. Harnessing the power of over three decades of experience in multi-stakeholder engagement and partnership management, our expansive network operates on national, regional, and global levels. We relentlessly drive forward, fuelled by the conviction that every child deserves a world free from sexual exploitation.
About Children’s Voice
Children’s Voice is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It works for the protection of children by defending their rights and ensuring their access to basic services such as education, vocational training, access to justice for the sustainable development of their communities. Children’s Voice is based in Goma and operates in six provinces in the east of the country.