Ending Violence Against Children: A Global Call to Action

As you mark World Children’s DayIt is clear that ending violence against children is not just a matter for policymakers and governments, it is everyone’s job. From local communities to global organisations, we all have the responsibility to protect children, defend their rights and create safer environments for them to grow and develop.

Between 6 and 9 November 2025, more than 130 governments, 80 ministers and nearly 1,400 allies, including children, young people, survivors, academics, philanthropists and investors, First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children. This historic event was a pivotal moment in the global fight to protect children. It brought together a diverse range of voices from across the child development spectrum, all committed to promoting action that would scale solutions, influence policy changes and increase investment to tackle the global problem of violence against children.

A critical change was highlighted at the conference: More than 50 countries have pledged to invest in parenting support, while another 50 have committed to strengthening school-based interventions aimed at preventing violence. These commitments are an important step forward, but it doesn’t end there. Scaling evidence-based solutions is critical to realizing these promises.

Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) is proud to highlight a selection of high-potential innovations Saving Brains portfolio that is already making a tangible difference in improving both parenting and school-based support for our young citizens. These programs transform lives, provide healthier, safer environments, and empower families to break cycles of violence.

1. Bandebereho: A Breakthrough in Rwanda

in Rwanda, Bandebereho The program challenges long-standing gender norms in families, communities and public systems. This proven intervention engages fathers in the care and upbringing of their children and focuses on eliminating intimate partner violence, one of the root causes of violence against children. Provided by community health workers, Bandebereho It has already demonstrated significant impact and is expanding across three regions of Rwanda, reaching more families and improving outcomes for children.

2. Mother Ambassador Program: Supporting Teen Parents in Uganda

Adolescent parents in Uganda face high risks, including high rates of intimate partner violence, poor mental health, and negative outcomes for their children. Mother Ambassador ProgramOffered by Babies and Mothers Alive is a peer-focused emotional support initiative that provides critical support to teenage mothers, from providing access to facilities for birth to long-term peer support. The program, piloted in Masaka district, has shown promising results by significantly reducing intimate partner violence and improving child outcomes for children born to teenage parents.

3. Ethiopian School Readiness Initiative: Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

in ethiopia, Ethiopia School Readiness Initiative Integrates psychosocial and physical health services into preschools across the country. While children are provided with access to basic health services, they are prepared for school both academically and socially. With support from regional health, education and social service offices, the initiative also equips teachers and caregivers with the resources they need to support children’s holistic development and well-being by improving positive discipline practices.

Global Effort to End Violence Against Children

As governments and stakeholders continue to press for stronger plans and policies to eliminate violence against children, we call for continued support for locally-led innovations that make a real difference. The examples above are just a few of the evidence-based programs and interventions that are helping to break cycles of violence and build healthier, safer futures for children and families around the world.

On: Grand Challenges CanadaWe are committed to uncovering and disseminating scalable, high-impact interventions that improve the lives of parents and children and strengthen the systems needed to support them. Ending violence against children will require all of us to work together. This is an effort that requires global commitment and local action, and we are committed to continuing to move this critical work forward.