The stakeholders noted that school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) is rampant in Kenyan institutions, and urgent steps must be taken to curb the vice which is a form of gender discrimination and violates children’s fundamental human rights.
In remarks read on her behalf, the President’s Advisor on Women Rights Hon. Chiggai Harriette noted SRGBV leads to high school drop-out rates, especially when victims perceive the school environment as unsafe for learners.
“Ideally, schools should serve as protective spaces for children. They must, therefore, take the frontline in ending violence in and outside their school compounds. They must also create safe and supportive learning environments where students feel comfortable reporting incidents of GBV”, she said.
The Advisor also called for the joint roll-out of comprehensive sexual education programmes that promote gender equality, and raise awareness about consent and healthy relationships. These should empower the students, particularly girls, to recognize and report GBV cases. And, importantly, enable them to say no to unwanted sexual advances!
If left unaddressed, GBV perpetuates a cycle of violence, with victims becoming perpetrators in the future. The loss of education and productivity due to GBV also has significant negative economic consequences for individuals, families, and the Nation as a whole.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting on “Effects of Gender-Based Violence in Learning Institutions” stakeholders in the education and gender sectors resolved to assist Government deal with GBV in learning institutions and protect students from its effects.
The event was hosted by the Forum For African Women Educationalists- Kenya Chapter in partnership with the Gender and Education Dialogue Movement. It featured the dissemination of a critical report on GBV and its impact on girls’ education in higher learning institutions in Kenya, based on a situational analysis by Gender Education Dialogue Movement.