Child protection and safeguarding policy

Our commitment

Every person under 18 has the right to be safe. S.E.W.F has zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation or neglect of children, and we act on every concern.

Who this applies to

All members, Board members, office bearers, staff, volunteers, partners and anyone acting for S.E.W.F.

Our principles

• The child’s best interests come first
• Do no harm
• Listen to children and take them seriously
• Respect dignity and confidentiality
• Never ignore a concern

Standards of behaviour

We will:

• Work with children in open, visible settings, with another adult present
• Treat every child with respect, without discrimination
• Report any concern straight away

We will never:

• Hit, shame, threaten or sexually harass or abuse a child
• Have a sexual relationship with a child
• Give gifts or favours in exchange for anything, or keep secrets with a child
• Use child labour or exploit a child in any way

Photos, stories and information

We take or publish a child’s photo, name or story only with informed consent from a parent or guardian and the child’s own agreement. We never publish details that could identify where a child lives or put them at risk.

If you are worried about a child

1. If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police or local authorities at once.
2. Call the free National Child Helpline on 116.
3. Tell S.E.W.F’s designated safeguarding person, or write to the Chairperson at our head office.
4. Write down what you saw or were told, in the child’s own words if possible. Do not investigate yourself and do not promise to keep it secret.

How we respond

• Protect the child first and make sure they get help
• Refer to the police, social welfare officer or other authorities as the law requires
• Keep information confidential and share it only with people who need it to protect the child
• Support the child and family, and treat anyone who raises a concern fairly
• Take disciplinary action against anyone who breaks this policy, including expulsion from membership by the General Meeting

Law and review

This policy follows Tanzania’s Law of the Child Act, 2009. The Board will review it every year.

Related

• Complaints and whistleblowingHow to raise a complaint or report wrongdoing at S.E.W.F, how we handle it, and how we protect people who speak up.
• Gender equalityWorking to end domestic and gender-based violence and early and forced marriage, and to advance equality for women and girls.