Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Victor Ferreros

Abstract

Child witchcraft accusations, which represent a comparatively new phenomenon in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, have caused tens of thousands of children aged 5-10 years to be abused, tortured, ostracized, stigmatized, and thrown out of family homes into the streets. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions of staff of local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and other child advocacy groups who worked with young children accused of witchcraft concerning how their efforts and collaboration with the government influenced the problem. Critical theory and an attachment conceptual framework were used to analyze the effectiveness of existing government policies targeting these children, as well as to identify whether new policies are needed to address child witchcraft accusations in Kinshasa. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with a purposeful sample of 13 participants, public and operational documentation. These data were inductively coded, then subjected to a thematic analysis procedure. Findings suggested that existing public policies were deeply inefficient and did not indicate political willingness to protect the rights and safety of children. Implications for positive social change stem from recommendations to local governments to improve public policy implementation strategies; improve the economic conditions of local families through the creation of employment opportunities; foster collaboration among local NGOs, child advocacy groups, the government, and the church; provide educational training; and legally hold abusers accountable for their actions.

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