SPACE TO LEAD PROJECT
SPACE TO LEAD PROJECT
Currently Implementing the Space to Lead (S2L) Project in Central Province to strengthen systems that empower and improve the wellbeing of children and young people through advocacy, policy engagement, capacity strengthening, and community partnerships, AAAZ is creating an enabling environment where children and young people; particularly girls and young women exercise their rights, access quality Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and protection services, and participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives.
Implemented from October 2025 to December 2028, S2L is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through Plan International Sweden and coordinated by Plan International Zambia. The project is delivered through a consortium comprising the Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia (AAAZ), The Youth Platform, Here to Love, Lifeline Childline Zambia, Group Focused Consultations, Strategic Youth Organisation, Zambia National Women’s Lobby, and Empowered to Empower, working together to strengthen child protection systems, improve access to quality SRHR services, promote youth participation, and strengthen civil society organisations to influence policy and systems change.
As the lead implementing partner in Central Province and the consortium’s technical partner, AAAZ is providing technical leadership on advocacy, accountability, policy engagement, and systems strengthening while working alongside government institutions, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, communities, and young people to deliver lasting change
AAAZ's Role in S2L
AAAZ is leading in advancing child protection, SRHR, and accountability by strengthening systems that respond to the needs of children and young people.
AAAZ:
- Serves as the consortium’s technical partner, providing technical leadership on advocacy, accountability, policy engagement, and systems strengthening.
- Lead the implementation of S2L in Central Province.
- Drive evidence-based advocacy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and child protection.
- Facilitate policy dialogue between communities, civil society organisations, and government institutions.
- Strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations and community structures to influence policy and systems change.
- Support the delivery of youth-friendly SRHR and child protection services.
- Work alongside Lifeline Childline Zambia to promote access to the national 116 Child Helpline.
- Generate evidence and lessons that contribute to national policy dialogue and the consortium’s overall impact.
AAAZ's Priorities Under S2L
Through S2L, AAAZ is working to:
Improve access to quality, youth-friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services
Strengthen child protection systems to prevent and respond to violence against children.
Build the capacity of civil society organisations and community structures to advocate for policy and systems change.
Promote meaningful participation of children and young people in decision-making processes.
Strengthen accountability and collaboration among institutions responsible for child protection and youth-friendly services.
Raise public awareness on SRHR, child protection, and children's rights through advocacy and strategic communication.
Our Approach
AAAZ is delivering S2L through integrated, evidence-based approaches that strengthen systems and promote sustainable change.
Using research and evidence to influence policy, strengthen accountability, and support informed decision-making.
Bringing together communities, civil society organisations, and government institutions to shape responsive policies.
Building the knowledge and skills of civil society organisations, community structures, and local leaders.
Working with children, young people, parents, caregivers, and traditional leaders to strengthen participation and local ownership.
Raising awareness and promoting action on SRHR, child protection, and children's rights.
Strengthening coordinated action among government institutions, consortium partners, and other stakeholders.
Protecting Children Through S2L
Protecting children is at the heart of S2L. AAAZ is working with communities, traditional leaders, government institutions, and consortium partners to strengthen prevention, reporting, referral, and response systems that protect children from violence.
Communities know how and where to report violence against children.
Survivors are referred to the Victim Support Unit (VSU) for protection and support.
Children and communities can access the 116 Child Helpline, a free, toll-free service available 24 hours a day on all mobile networks.
Traditional and community leaders are equipped to identify, respond to, and refer child protection cases.
Institutions responsible for child protection are more responsive and accountable.
Promoting the use of the Child Helpline (116) and VSU so cases of violence against children are reported and responded to promptly.
Child Protection Support
Child Helpline
Free and toll-free, available 24 hours a day on all mobile networks.
Protection & Support
Victim Support Unit
Supporting referral and response for survivors of violence and abuse.
Province Zambia
Where We Work
Through S2L, AAAZ is leading implementation in Central Province, working with government institutions, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, community structures, and young people.
Together, these partnerships strengthen systems that improve child protection, promote SRHR, and enhance youth participation.
- Strengthening community participation and local ownership.
- Connecting communities with decision-makers.
- Bringing local experiences into policy discussions.
- Strengthening accountability and sustainable systems change.
From communities to systems. From evidence to action.
AAAZ connects people, institutions, evidence and action to help create stronger systems that protect children, promote rights, and enable communities and young people to participate meaningfully in shaping their future.
Partners & Collaborators
Sustainable change is built through collaboration. AAAZ works alongside organisations, institutions and networks that share a commitment to stronger systems, meaningful participation and improved outcomes for children, young people and communities.
OUR
PARTNERS
