Submitted by crinadmin on
Gender violence can occur in classrooms, dormitories, boarding houses, administrative buildings, teachers' residences, other parts of school grounds, and on the way to and from school. It can have short and long-term impacts on students' health and well-being, including reproductive health problems, broken bones, cognitive impairment, substance abuse, depression, and suicidal behaviour, among others. Despite these consequences, there is limited understanding of the depth and breadth of school related gender-based violence (SRGBV) in the developing world. In a report developed for USAID's Office of Women in Development by the EQUATE Project, Management Systems International, the literature on SRGBV is reviewed in order to improve understanding about its causes, prevalence, and consequences. It examines how gender norms, poverty, and a culture of violence contribute to SRGBV. The report explores violence that is perpetrated by both male and female students and teachers. While much of the literature focuses on sexual violence, this report also highlights the prevalence and impact of physical and psychological abuse. It examines barriers to preventing and responding to SRGBV, including silence around the issue, inadequate laws and codes of conduct, enforcement problems with existing laws, shortages of teachers and guidance counsellors, and flaws in the design and implementation of existing interventions. The report also presents examples of what is being done to address SRGBV, including legal and policy changes, training for teachers and school personnel, counselling and support systems for students, community engagement, and programming that addresses life skills and gender norms with boys and girls. The final section of the report presents recommendations for research and action at the national, institutional, local, and individual levels. The report is dedicated to the memory of Dr Jacqueline Kirk (1968-2008) "for her courageous and tireless work in making schools safer and more gender-equitable learning environments for all children."
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