NGEC and JICA Champion Education Against GBV at Machakos Workshop

Machakos County– A groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in schools took centre stage at Machakos Teachers Training College, where over 200 stakeholders, including educators, government officials, and gender advocates, convened for a high-impact workshop. Organised by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the event underscored the urgent need for proactive measures in preventing and addressing GBV within educational institutions.

One of the key highlights of the workshop was the official launch of the School Policy on Prevention & Response to GBV by NGEC. This comprehensive policy framework is set to guide schools in Machakos County and beyond in identifying, preventing, and responding to cases of GBV. The policy aims to bridge existing gaps in protection mechanisms, ensuring that learners have access to a supportive environment where they can report cases without fear of victimisation.

In her keynote address, NGEC Chairperson Hon. Rehema Jaldesa stressed the fundamental role of education in challenging societal norms that perpetuate GBV. She underscored the need for schools to be more than centres of academic learning, advocating for environments that nurture respect, equality, and safety for all learners. “Schools must be spaces where students are not only educated but also protected from harm. The role of teachers, parents, and the community in safeguarding our children cannot be overstated,” Jaldesa remarked.

JICA’s representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the resilience of learners and educators against GBV through various initiatives. Among the notable interventions is the Karate Program for GBV Awareness and Self-Defence, an initiative designed to empower students with self-protection skills while fostering awareness about GBV. Additionally, targeted training sessions have been introduced for teachers and school administrators, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and manage GBV cases effectively.

Stakeholders at the workshop lauded the initiative, recognising the pressing need for concerted efforts in tackling GBV within the education sector. “Education is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of violence. With this policy in place, schools will become bastions of safety where learners, particularly girls, can pursue their studies without fear,” stated a gender advocate present at the event.

Despite progressive policy developments, challenges remain in addressing GBV in schools, with inadequate reporting structures and societal stigma often hindering victims from seeking justice. To counter these barriers, the NGEC-JICA partnership is championing enhanced case reporting and referral mechanisms to ensure survivors receive timely support and intervention.

The workshop concluded with a strong call to action for all stakeholders to prioritise the implementation of the School Policy on Prevention & Response to GBV. Educators were urged to take an active role in enforcing preventative measures, while policymakers were encouraged to allocate resources towards strengthening GBV response systems in schools.

As the fight against GBV in learning institutions gains momentum, the NGEC and JICA partnership stands as a beacon of hope, advocating for a future where no student suffers in silence. Through sustained collaboration and commitment, learning institutions can be transformed into champions in the fight against GBV, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment free from fear and discrimination.