Women’s Link Worldwide and CFK Africa recently convened an impactful intergenerational dialogue at CFK Africa’s center in Kibera, focusing on the urgent issue of School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV). The dialogue brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, Legal Resources Foundation, the School Administrator of Olympic High School, and the dynamic CFK Girls Parliament, girls from different local schools, and community members from Kibera.
These numbers, however, are likely underreported due to the stigma and fear surrounding GBV. One specific and pervasive form of GBV is School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV), which manifests as verbal and psychological abuse, harmful traditional practices, physical assault, and sexual harassment. SRGBV not only perpetuates the cycles of discrimination and inequality but also obstructs access to quality education, particularly for girls and marginalized groups.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) significantly disrupts girls’ access to and participation in education, with lasting consequences for their prospects. Survivors of SRGBV may experience trauma, stigma, and fear, making it difficult for them to concentrate, engage, or even return to school. Physical injuries, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections can further interrupt their education, forcing many to drop out. The psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, often hinder their academic performance and self-confidence.
“As Women Link Worldwide in partnership with CFK Africa, we believe that an intergenerational dialogue is crucial to addressing the issues that come with SRGBV especially for the school going students. The dialogue provides a platform for the various organizations involved in the process of rehabilitation to listen to the victims, fostering mutual learning and driving sustainable solutions that integrate both historical insights and emerging perspectives.” Said Beverly Mumbo, Senior Legal Programs Manager at Women’s Link Worldwide.
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