Boys are more vulnerable than girls to school-related gender-based violence: results from a survey in Zambia

Case Studies & Research
2012
7 p.
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In Zambia, 47% percent of women aged 15-49 have ever experienced physical violence & 15% experienced sexual and/or gender-based violence (DHS 2007). School-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) is a global problem with serious implications for individual and population health and education outcomes. SRGBV results in sexual, physical, or psychological harm to girls and boys. SRGBV may include any form of violence or abuse based on gendered stereotypes or that targets students on the basis of their sex. SRGBV may include rape, unwanted sexual touching, unwanted sexual comments, corporal punishment, bullying, and verbal harassment. Unequal power relations between adults and children, children of different ages, and males and females are contributing factors. SRGBV may take place on school premises, going to and from school, or in school or residential dormitories. Teachers, students, and community members can all be perpetrators and both girls and boys can be victims as well as perpetrators. In June and July 2011 the Population Council carried out a Knowledge Attitude and Behavior Survey (the survey), which assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices of SRGBV amongst school-children aged 14–18 in eight schools in Lusaka and Chongwe Districts in Zambia. The survey constituted a baseline assessment to inform a school-based program to promote gender equity.

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