World Education Day: How violence in schools is holding girls back in Kenya

World Education Day: How violence in schools is holding girls back in Kenya (Photo: iStock) As we mark International World Education Day on January 24, 2025, the persistent issue of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) continues to undermine girls' right to education across the country. Despite progressive laws and policies, the implementation gap leaves many girls vulnerable to abuse and discrimination within educational settings. The 2019 Kenya Violence Against Children Survey revealed alarming statistics, with 49% of girls aged 13-17 reporting experiences of physical violence. More recently, a survey conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Ministry of Health in 2022 found that 39% - 45% of women and girls in Kenya have experienced physical or sexual violence. These numbers highlight the pervasive nature of gender-based violence in Kenya, which often extends into school environments. SRGBV encompasses various forms of abuse, including sexual harassment, bullying, period shaming, and corporal punishment. The impacts on girls are far-reaching, affecting their academic performance, attendance, and overall well-being. Many girls drop out of school due to fear, trauma, or unintended pregnancies resulting from sexual violence. By creating an atmosphere of stress and anxiety, SRGBV also undermines the learning of students who are not the direct victims of violence. When SRGBV leads to unequal educational outcomes for girls, it perpetuates inequality and GBV in the wider society. Kenya has made significant strides in establishing legal protections for girls' education and safety. The Constitution of Kenya (2010) guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory basic education, regardless of gender. The Basic Education Act (2013) further reinforces this right and prohibits discrimination in educational settings. Specifically addressing gender-based violence, the Sexual Offences Act (2006) criminalizes various forms of sexual abuse, including those perpetrated in schools. The Children's Act (2022) also provides for child protection and prohibits harmful practices that may interfere with a child's education. Despite these legal safeguards, implementation remains a challenge, clearly evidenced by the documented escalation of teenage pregnancies. To address the implementation gap, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive policy that harmonizes existing laws and ensures effective enforcement. A key priority of an SRGBV policy is to establish clear reporting mechanisms within schools for SRGBV incidents. It will also mandate regular comprehensive training for teachers and school administrators on recognizing and preventing SRGBV. Provisions will be made for the development and support of interventions that strengthen collaboration between schools, law enforcement, and child protection services. The provision of support services for survivors of SRGBV including, but not limited to, school re-entry for teenage mothers, counselling, and academic assistance, is a critical component of the policy. In the long term, the policy will make provision for the implementation of gender-responsive curricula that promote equality and challenge harmful gender norms. The Ministry of Education executes its mandate of safeguarding the right to education through the Teachers' Service Commission and other accountability mechanisms like the National Gender and Equality Commission. However, more intentional and coordinated efforts with justice actors are needed to effectively address and prevent SRGBV. Civil society organizations also play a crucial role in advocating for stronger protections. There is a need to strengthen multi-sectoral approaches that bring together education, health, and justice sectors to effectively combat SRGBV. As we commemorate International World Education Day, policymakers, educators, and communities must unite to address the scourge of SRGBV. By harmonizing existing laws, strengthening implementation mechanisms, and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for violence in schools, Kenya can safeguard the right to education for all its children. The time for action is now. Every day that passes without concrete measures to end SRGBV is another day that countless girls are denied their fundamental right to learn and thrive. As a nation committed to education for all, Kenya must effectively address SRGBV and ensure that schools become havens of safety, empowerment, and opportunity for every student, regardless of gender. Agnes Rogo the author is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, human rights expert and Managing Attorney at Women's Link Worldwide.

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