Say No to Violence Against Children

This year, as we join the world to mark 16 days of Activism 2018 under the theme HearMe Too, we have taken a step to raise awareness on School Related Gender Based Violence (SRGBV) and how it affects children hindering them to complete the primary cycle. We have visited 50 schools to have a discussion with pupils on issues of sexual abuse, corporal punishment and bullying.  We talked to pupils and at the same time heard their voices in relation to SRGBV.

Some of the key issues noted  were:

·         Some children are not fully aware that bullying, sexual abuse and corporal punishment is violence in itself.

·         Children fear reporting cases of SRGBV because they feel it does not help since nothing is always done to solve the reoccurrence of violence.

·         Teachers still feel that punishment is the best option available to push children to have better grades

·         Class monitors beat fellow pupils as a means of controlling the class while the teacher is away.  This  is institutionally acceptable in many schools

·         Sexual abuse especially bad touches are common among pupils

·         Communities play a big role in deterring victims from reporting cases of violence

We hope to learn and share more as we progress.