As the world culminates the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign, the call to action is louder than ever. This year’s UNITE campaign theme, “Every 11 Minutes, one woman is killed” and “UNITE to End Violence Against Women,” sheds light on the alarming rates of violence against women globally. It’s a stark reminder that gender-based violence (GBV) is not only a human rights violation but a societal failure that demands urgent intervention. In Kenya, these issues echo strongly within the education sector, where systemic barriers and inequalities perpetuate violence and discrimination against women and girls.
According to a report by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) and the Ministry of Education, gender-based violence in educational spaces remains a significant concern. The report, Gender Mainstreaming Practices in Basic Education and Teacher Training in Kenya reveals that while nearly all schools have policies addressing sexual harassment and GBV, their implementation is inconsistent. Sensitization efforts are limited, leaving many students, teachers, and staff unaware of their rights and the mechanisms available to protect them.
The Role of Education in Ending Violence
Education is a powerful tool in breaking cycles of violence, yet its transformative potential is hindered when schools themselves become unsafe spaces. The report highlights gaps in teacher training curricula, where gender-responsive teaching practices are not adequately emphasized. This oversight affects the ability of educators to foster safe, inclusive learning environments. Teacher trainees, for instance, are not systematically taught how to identify, address, and prevent GBV in their classrooms and communities.
Additionally, the report notes that institutional leadership often lacks gender sensitivity, with Boards of Management (BoM) and Parent Associations (PA) predominantly male and untrained in gender equity issues. This imbalance affects policy implementation and accountability, perpetuating environments where violence can persist unchecked.
A Call to UNITE
As the UNITE campaign calls for global action, Kenya’s education stakeholders have a critical opportunity to confront the challenges of gender-based violence (GBV) within educational settings. The APHRC report highlights several actionable strategies to help create safer, more inclusive schools.
For instance, integrating gender sensitivity into teacher training can be a good place to start. Teacher training curricula should include comprehensive modules on gender equity and GBV prevention. By equipping teachers with these skills, they can serve not only as educators but also as role models and advocates for safe and inclusive classrooms.
Strengthening institutional policies is another crucial step. Schools must ensure that policies addressing GBV are not only in place but also actively disseminated through regular sensitization programs. These efforts should extend to training all members of the school community—students, teachers, and non-teaching staff—on recognizing, addressing, and reporting violence.
Leadership within schools also plays a pivotal role in fostering equity. Encouraging greater female representation in governance structures such as Boards of Management (BoMs) and Parent Associations (PAs) is key. Alongside this, providing gender sensitivity training for school leaders can help drive a more balanced and effective approach to tackling GBV.
Finally, the importance of safe and inclusive facilities cannot be overstated. Gender-responsive infrastructure, such as separate toilets and adequate handwashing stations, is vital for ensuring the dignity and safety of all learners, particularly girls. These improvements enhance physical safety and create an environment where students can focus on learning without fear or discomfort.
Beyond the 16 Days
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign reminds us that change requires sustained effort beyond these two weeks. By embedding gender equity into education systems, Kenya can not only protect women and girls but also empower them to contribute fully to society.
Every 11 minutes, another woman’s life is lost to violence. But within those same minutes, opportunities arise for action, advocacy, and change. Let us UNITE to ensure schools become havens of safety and equality, where the cycle of violence is broken, and a brighter future begins.