In-school gender-based violence in public primary schools in one municipality, Kenya

Abstract

All children deserve a school surrounding that is safe and nurturing-one that will permit them to grow, succeed and take full advantage of their full potential. However, many students in the developing world face a different daily reality of exposure to gender-based violence (GBV) through both explicit and implicit forms which considerably affect girls’ social interest and academic pursuits. This study therefore sought to explore the nature and extent of In-school Gender-Based Violence (IGBV). The study employed a mixed method approach and concurrent triangulation design was adopted, targeting 2500 primary going girls of between class 7 and 8 in the Municipality Public Primary Schools. Purposive sampling was used to select the girls in class 7 and 8. Focused group discussion guide and questionnaires were used to collect complementary data for this study. Qualitative Data was analyzed by use of thematic and matrix analysis and quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed different manifestations of sexual, psychological and physical violence which targeted the adolescent girls. The study has helped to expose subtle types of IGBV and this would be useful to school leaders, educational policy makers and implementers. From the findings of the study, an all-inclusive school approach including the management, teachers, pupils and the curriculum is necessary to ensure effective sensitization of the presence of the different forms of IGBV.