Gender Based Violence in Education is a Human Right Issue

For Immediate Release;   

November 25^th, 2017                                         

Gender Based Violence in Education is a Human Right Issue

A blunt violation of human right and the most extreme expression of unequal gender relations in the society which affect every woman and girl world over. Gender Based Violence abuses happens anywhere, and in schools.

School Related Gender Based Violence has prevented equality in the education sector over time. School-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) encompasses sexual, physical and psychological violence occurring at school and on the journey to and from school. It is violence that is perpetrated as a result of gender stereotyping, discriminatory practices and unequal gender relations. It includes explicit threats or acts of physical violence, bullying, verbal or sexual harassment, non-consensual touching, sexual coercion and assault, and rape. Corporal punishment and discipline in schools often manifest in highly gendered ways. And unprecedented access to information and communications technology has resulted in new forms of intimidation, cyber bullying and sexual harassment.

The imperative of addressing GBV in schools is based on the fact that the school is not immune to traditional and cultural norms, laws and government policies which exist in the country or community nor experiences aquired by staff and pupils from outside the school.

The child right Act considers education as absolute right of every child. To this effect therefore, every educational institution must address gender norms at all levels to prevent GBV in schools and society at large. More also, schools must adopt effective strategies to prevent and respond to violence.

This day 25^th November marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism, an international campaign to chalenge Gender Based Violence around the world. This is calling on schools on this international day for the Elimination of violence against women,  to join the international community in promoting gender equality, respectful and non-violent culture among schools.

• ·       To encourage educational reforms that promote gender equality in all educational sector
• ·       Develop school policies to address all types of violence for safe and non discrimination in schools
• ·       Incorporate sexual /GBV education in school curriculla for primary and secondary schools.
• ·       Ensure that school environment is safe from violence by improving infrastructure
• ·       Establish a counselling system that gives support to victims/survivors of School Related Gender Based Violence (SRGBV)
• ·       Change attitudes towards GBV at societal level by involving parents and communities through parent/teacher association.

Eliminating violence against women lies in investing in young ones as the agents of achieving social transformation, a world free from inequality and Gender Based Violence. A world where education is free for all and free from violence.