"Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience. It inflicts deep and lasting trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe," she said.
The report shows that Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls and women affected (22 per cent).
Further, up to 19% of 18-24-year-old females who experienced sexual violence before age 18, said perpetrators of the first incident of any sexual violence in childhood were schoolmates.
"The data paints a grim reality for many girls in Kenya who are experiencing sexual violence, even within their own schools, communities and online. This is unacceptable," said Shaheen Nilofer, UNICEF Kenya Representative.
According to the data, most childhood sexual violence occurs during adolescence, with a significant spike between ages 14 and 17.
Studies show that children who experience sexual violence are more likely to suffer repeated abuse. Implementing targeted interventions during adolescence is crucial to breaking this cycle and mitigating the long-term impacts of such trauma.
Although more girls and women are affected, and their experiences are better documented, boys and men are also impacted, the data show.
An estimated 240 to 310 million boys and men - or around 1 in 11 - have experienced rape or sexual assault during childhood. This estimate rises to between 410 and 530 million when non-contact forms are included.