Gender and child rights in eastern Africa: a survey of laws and policies on child marriage, economic exploitation and inheritance

This report by the African Child Policy Forum examines the interaction of gender and child rights in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Sudan, and focused on three themes: child marriage; economic and sexual exploitation; and inheritance rights.

In particular, the report:

• Identifies challenges in the effective implementation of legal and policy frameworks and makes key recommendations for action.


• Highlights progress made by governments and other stakeholders towards ensuring the protection of children, particularly girls, from discriminatory practices.


• Identifies good practices that can be replicated to protect children from gender-based discrimination


• Highlights the failures and persisting challenges in each of the countries studied.

The report contains a Framework for analysing gender and child rights that will guide various stakeholders in determining or ensuring that their laws and policies on children are gender sensitive, responsive and accountable.