Between November 25 (the international day for the elimination of violence against women) and December 10, (human rights day), the world will unite to mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
This is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls worldwide. The government of Uganda has already declared this year’s theme as: ‘From peace in the home to peace in the nation: Make education safe for all.’
The theme that has been selected by the ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development is not only timely but also urgent as school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) remains a challenge in Uganda. Both boys and girls are vulnerable to different forms of violence in and around schools.
School-related gender-based violence can be psychological and physical; both at and on the way to and from school. SRGBV is a grave violation of human rights and impedes a child’s right to education. It affects their psychological, physical and social well-being and their ability to study.
SRGBV stems from deeply-rooted gender norms, stereotypes, systemic inequalities and unequal power dynamics based on gender. SRGBV includes explicit threats or acts of physical violence, bullying, verbal or sexual harassment, non-consensual touching, sexual coercion, assault and rape.
Other implicit acts of SRGBV stem from everyday school practices that reinforce stereotyping and gender inequality, and encourage violent or unsafe environments.
Male and female educators and students can be victims and perpetrators of violence, although the extent and form can differ and vary across countries and regions. We who went to school in the 1990s and before, corporal punishment was our daily meal. While it has been banned in Uganda, the practice remains prevalent.
While schools mirror gender inequalities and discrimination that exist in the home and within communities and societies at large, schools can also play a transformative role in shifting harmful gender norms and discriminatory practices.
Schools need to become safe and secure environments for children to learn, develop mutual respect and understand respective gender roles so they can raise voices against discrimination.
When children access safe, quality education, they unlock their potential and can contribute to the wellbeing of their community. When schools are free from gender-based violence, there are positive ripple effects beyond the classroom. There will be changes in the way girls and boys see and engage with the world around them.
While the government has needs to eliminate all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, the bigger role must be played by parents. We also hope the government will prioritise financing implementation of laws that explicitly protect children from all forms of violence.
Ultimately, we must unite to end harmful social and cultural beliefs that give rise to violence against girls and boys in schools. Let us stand up and be recognized as change-makers towards a violence-free generation.