Multi Stakeholders Dialogue on Ending Corporal Punishment: 30 April 2026
Marking the International Day to End Corporal Punishment, WiLDAF, in collaboration with members of the Technical Working Group, alongside Save the Children Tanzania and UNICEF Tanzania, convened a multi-stakeholder dialogue aimed at advancing efforts to eliminate corporal punishment and promote positive discipline in schools and communities.
The event brought together government representatives, civil society organizations (CSOs), education stakeholders, child rights advocates, development partners, teachers, and students to reflect on the continued practice of corporal punishment and explore collective strategies for legal reform, child protection, and safer learning environments.
During the discussions, CSOs highlighted practical and child-friendly alternatives to corporal punishment, emphasizing positive discipline approaches that guide, support, and nurture responsibility without causing harm. Participants underscored that ending violence against children requires not only changing attitudes and behaviors, but also addressing structural barriers that allow harmful disciplinary practices to persist.
The dialogue further emphasized the positive impact of non-violent discipline in building children’s self-confidence, responsibility, and essential life skills, while strengthening relationships between teachers, students, parents, and caregivers. Such approaches contribute to creating inclusive and supportive spaces where children feel safe, respected, and able to thrive academically and socially.
Participants also called for decisive action to strengthen legal and policy frameworks, including reviewing and amending laws to explicitly prohibit corporal punishment in all settings. Stakeholders urged the Ministry of Education and relevant institutions to institutionalize and scale up positive discipline practices through awareness creation, enforcement mechanisms, and capacity-building initiatives for teachers and parents.
The commemoration served as a strong call to action for all stakeholders to work collectively toward protecting children’s rights, promoting dignity, and ensuring every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment free from violence.