“Without data, we are flying blind. If we can’t see it, we can’t solve it.” Inspired by these words of Kofi Annan, I feel hope after an intensive year that has changed the landscape for our work.
Child sexual abuse has for too long been a largely invisible, intangible threat. Considered too vague, too complex, too sensitive to talk about or to measure. Without facts and accurate data, we risk being frightened and paralyzed by the feeling that this is something inevitable, a constant evil, or an exponentially growing threat. That has now changed, and Childhood is part of that change.
The first piece of good news is that we are not flying so blind anymore. In 2024, the first reliable global estimates on the prevalence of child sexual abuse were published by our partner Together for girls. It shows that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 7 boys will experience sexual violence before their 18th birthday. These figures are alarming and unacceptable, but now we know.
The second important milestone is that for the first time we also have a global roadmap, a joint understanding on what needs to be done to stop child sexual abuse. The To Zero vision created through the collective efforts of activists, researchers, survivors, and civil society, points to the actions needed to end this violence. We now not only have data on the scale but also evidence of solutions and together with other private foundations we have joined forces to maximize the role of philanthropy in accelerating these efforts.
We also see renewed global momentum and collaboration to scale up prevention of violence against children. In November I attended the first global ministerial conference on ending violence against children in Bogotá. It gathered 130 governments, and 100 of them made concrete, official pledges to do more. Survivors and children had a natural place in all sessions. From now on survivor voices must – and will – be heard. The huge interest from ministers in attending the side event on the intersection between violence and care that we co-hosted shows that children without parental care now are seen as a group that needs specific attention, something we have been arguing for since we were funded.
We now know the scale of the problem. We know that it is preventable. The fact that governments around the world have expressed commitment to doing more is a good start. But it is not enough. In a world where inclusion and equal rights of marginalized groups are challenged, our collective efforts and advocacy are more important than ever.
At Childhood we will continue identifying and addressing gaps, investing in concrete solutions and elevating the voices of survivors, youth and local leaders. I am hopeful, despite the challenges. Today, more actors than ever stand with us in the fight against sexual abuse. Together we will succeed.
Britta Holmberg,
Director Global Programs & Advocacy
Deputy Secretary General World Childhood Foundation
I feel proud when I see how Childhood advocates, shares knowledge, and expertise in international arenas like the ministerial conference in Bogotá and the UN in New York. It recognizes that our long-term strategic work and the establishment of strong partnerships create ripple effects—both locally and globally. We may be a small organization, but our impact is significant.
Kenneth Bengstsson, Chairman of the Board of World Childhood Foundation.
