Bangladeshi’s perception of children and The Rights of the “Child” A case study on perception of children in Bangladesh, socio-economic status and the harmful social norms Rose Anne Papavero, Chief Child Protection UNICEF BCO

Description of the challenges  Rights of the “Child”  No word indicating a human being who is 0 to 18 years old  Several words representing theoretical development stages  Translation of child’s rights: “shishu adhikar”  Status of children vary according to factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, class, wealth and disability  Common language: understanding / not understanding

State of understanding not an automatic consequence of physical growth or accumulation of years of age tied with the belonging to a community sub-group for example: gender group, socio-economic group (class/caste), religious group or ethnic group tied with what it is that one should ‘understand’, known as morally good and practice according to their gender, life’s path, religion and duty

A social norm Similar for boy or girl: provide him/her affection, basic needs and ‘teaching’; tolerance and clemency individuals prefer to conform to it they believe that * most people in their reference network conform to it [empirical expectations] * most people in their reference network believe they should conform to it [normative expectations] Shishu adhikar, taken to mean small children’s needs; UNICEF to be a catalyst to create demand for Child’s Rights Not understanding child

A social norm part of schema/script of non married girl give her for marriage soon after first menstruation if not able to protect her virginity and/or if not able to provide a substantial dowry individuals prefer to conform to it they believe that * most people in their reference network conform to it [empirical expectations] * most people in their reference network believe they should conform to it [normative expectations] Kishori: Hidden power, non-decisions, UNICEF to be a catalyst to create demand for Child’s Rights Understanding girl child Category? Female in a patriarchal society

A descriptive norm part of schema/script of non married boy boy to be prepared to be a father holding responsibility and authority over women and children; (male lineage) individuals prefer to conform to it they believe that * most people in their reference network conform to it [empirical expectations] *father applies his parental authority Kishor: Hidden power, non-decisions but responsibilities', UNICEF to be a catalyst to create demand for Child’s Rights Understanding boy child Category? Male in a patriarchal society

Expected impact of strategies in fostering social norm changes 1. Empowered adolescents 2. Knowledgeable and coordinated community 3. Overcome economic barriers 4. Harmonized legal frame

A tool to introduce new normative expectations linked with CRC CHILD DEVELOPMENT: A Child’s RIGHTS PERSPECTIVE OUTLINE MODULE 1 – INTRODUCTION & WHO IS A CHILD? Session 1 – Who is a Child? Session 2 – The Rights of the Child MODULE 2 - GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD Session 3 – Areas of Growth & Development Session 4 – Stages of Child development MODULE 3 - ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT Session 5 – Adolescent Development – A Time of Transition Session 6 – Adolescent Brain Development & Behavior Session 7 – Adolescent Participation & Development MODULE 4 - CHILD ABUSE, HARMFUL PRACTICES & DEVELOPMENT Session 8 – Child Abuse: Impact on Development Session 9 – Harmful Practices: Impact on Development MODULE 5 - POSITIVE PARENTING / CAREGIVING Session 10 – Parenting & Child Development Session 11 – Positive Parenting Session 12 – Parenting & Adolescents MODULE 6 – CONCLUSION & NEXT STEPS Session 13 - What Have We Learned & What’s Next? CHILD DEVELOPMENT: A Child’s RIGHTS PERSPECTIVE OUTLINE MODULE 1 – INTRODUCTION & WHO IS A CHILD? Session 1 – Who is a Child? Session 2 – The Rights of the Child MODULE 2 - GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD Session 3 – Areas of Growth & Development Session 4 – Stages of Child development MODULE 3 - ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT Session 5 – Adolescent Development – A Time of Transition Session 6 – Adolescent Brain Development & Behavior Session 7 – Adolescent Participation & Development MODULE 4 - CHILD ABUSE, HARMFUL PRACTICES & DEVELOPMENT Session 8 – Child Abuse: Impact on Development Session 9 – Harmful Practices: Impact on Development MODULE 5 - POSITIVE PARENTING / CAREGIVING Session 10 – Parenting & Child Development Session 11 – Positive Parenting Session 12 – Parenting & Adolescents MODULE 6 – CONCLUSION & NEXT STEPS Session 13 - What Have We Learned & What’s Next?

Proposed To be explored a media campaign that will: introduce a word that will be inclusive of all children from 0 to 18 years Support new empirical expectations related to child development Create social movement to support the integration of new normative expectations Promote positive reporting: From News Brief 10 July 2013 (Editorial) News Today, P.4, [UNICEF mentioned];(Editorial) News Today, P.4, [UNICEF mentioned];

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