01/11/2026
The Colours of Maidens Child Protection Awareness Campaign is motivated the need to promote the Girl Childs rights while recognising the important role of culture in shaping identity values and community belonging.
Although cultural practices can contribute positively to the development of children,it must be conducted in a manner that protects children from harm, discrimination,humiliation,forced participation and violations of their dignity,privacy and body integrity.
The Awareness Campaign provides the Gauteng Department of Social Development with an opportunity to raise awareness of Section 12 of the Children's Act 38 of 2005 amongst the girl children, traditional leaders (Onomehlo) and the broader community. It will promote the understanding be that children's participation in cultural practices must voluntary, age-appropriate and based on informed consent,without force, threats, manipulation or undue pressure.
The Campaign will also strengthen prevention and early-intervention services by addressing challenges affecting adolescent girls, including teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, substance abuse, peer pressure,risky behaviour and limited access to positive role models.
Through culturally appropriate education, mentorship,life-skills development and stakeholder collaboration,the programme will support young women to make informed decisions,understand their rights and participate safely in cultural activities.
The campaign is therefore necessary to ensure that the preservation of cultural heritage is balanced with the Department's child-protection mandate and the constitutional principle that the best interests of the child are of paramount importance.