“Hearing the Voice of the Child”: Participatory Practice in Statutory Child Protection in Zimbabwe
Godfrey R. Mushongera

Abstract
There has been a presumption that the idea of universal participation of children in every sphere of life is practical and achievable. Yet, applying the principle of participation in statutory child protection is a very complicated task which has resulted in varying levels of application in different countries. This paper provides a critical review of the extent to which participation rights of children in statutory child protection are instituted in Zimbabwe. It will be argued that while Zimbabwe has made significant progress in embedding child participation on paper, the reality of child protection practice shows that the full realisation of this right remains an arduous task. The paper discusses the challenges that exist and highlights the opportunities available towards the full realisation of child participatory rights during child protection processes in Zimbabwe.

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