Gov’t and UNICEF Launch “Tikambe, It’s Safe” Campaign to Protect Adolescents
The Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched the “Tikambe, It’s Safe” campaign aimed at protecting adolescents from child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, gender-based violence, substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Launched in Katete District, Eastern Province, the campaign takes its name from the local word Tikambe, meaning “let’s talk”, and seeks to promote open dialogue and collective action on issues affecting young people. It builds on national momentum created during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and reflects Government’s renewed focus on adolescent protection.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ms Angela Kawandami, Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Lewis Mwape reaffirmed Government’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and enabling environment for adolescents to thrive.
Ms Kawandami said Government is accelerating efforts to end child marriage and strengthen adolescent-focused services in line with the Children’s Code Act of 2022, the Marriage (Amendment) Act of 2023 and the recently launched Ending Child Marriage Strategy (2026–2030).
She emphasised that the challenges faced by adolescents are lived realities that require sustained and coordinated responses across sectors.
“Addressing these challenges requires every system, including education, health, social protection and justice, to work together so that no young person is left behind,” she said.
UNICEF Deputy Representative Mr Tinkhani Msonda described the campaign as human-centred and youth-driven, noting that it was designed with young people rather than for them.
He said adolescents are calling for safe spaces, trusted adults and responsive systems that meet their needs, and reaffirmed UNICEF’s continued support to Government, families and communities to ensure that every adolescent in Zambia thrives.
The campaign will be implemented through radio public service announcements, social media engagement, youth mentorship initiatives and digital platforms, as well as the release of a campaign song and an animated film.
Adolescents are also be encouraged to join U-Report, UNICEF’s digital youth engagement platform, by dialling *878#, to share their views and access information on issues that affect their wellbeing.
