Girls’ Voices are shaking up school predators
Trigger Warning
Globally, an alarming statistic reveals that approximately one in three students reports experiencing physical violence at or near school within the past month. Rates of bullying and psychological violence are similarly concerning (UNESCO, 2019).
Since the launch of our Her Turn Education and Empowerment programs in rural schools, we have seen a troubling rise in reports of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV). While we also conduct His Chance Education and Empowerment programs, this article will focus on the experiences of girls. It is essential to acknowledge that boys also face SRGBV, but the emphasis here is on the unique challenges girls encounter.
Empowering Girls Through Education
Our in-school programming consists of 15 consecutive days of workshops where adolescents learn about various issues, including safety topics such as bullying, harassment, sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, and early/child marriage. During these workshops, girls have the opportunity to share their experiences with peers, mentors, or Hamro Palo staff. To protect the identities of these girls, we will refrain from disclosing the names of the schools or specific dates.
Real Stories of Abuse
In Sindhupalchowk district, located approximately 80 km from Kathmandu, where we have implemented our interventions for the past 12 years, numerous girls have come forward to report abuse by male teachers, often rooted in gender, caste, and academic performance. One particularly harrowing account involved a girl who revealed that a math teacher had been raping her for months, manipulating her with promises of improved grades. We promptly reported this situation to the school administration and referred the case to a local organization equipped to provide support.
“I didn’t know if I would receive support from others if I shared my experience. I didn’t want any backlash as it would affect my family, and we would be boycotted from the community. But I knew I had to do it, once and for all,” said a participant in the Her Turn program who reported her abuse in school.
In Gorkha, another district 150 km from Kathmandu, a group of girls wrote a complaint letter to the school head, reporting ongoing abuse by a teacher. When confronted by the school administration, the teacher retaliated with threats, claiming he would identify the girls based on their handwriting. Unfortunately, the principal’s response was limited to a verbal warning, failing to address the gravity of the situation.
In Kavre district, located 60 km from Kathmandu, a girl confided in a mentor about a teacher’s abuse during the Her Turn program. She hesitated to report it, fearing that her single mother, who worked at the school for minimal wages, would lose her job if the issue escalated. When she finally spoke out, it was revealed that the teacher had abused other students as well. Together, they reported the matter to the principal, who expressed anger at the girls for speaking out, despite being aware of the teacher’s behavior. With the mentor’s support, they reported the issue to the ward office.
“We were scared to report, but at the Girls Support Committee, we discussed that we must report for our safety and for the safety of other girls because remaining silent wasn’t the best idea,” said one member of the Girls Support Committee.
In Dhading, another district adjacent to Kathmandu, discussions among girls about corporal punishment revealed a disturbing pattern of name-calling based on physical appearance by teachers. Many girls reported harassment, including inappropriate touching and psychological abuse, resulting in various forms of punishment. One teacher even threatened to stop teaching if the girls continued to speak up. These are just a few examples; countless other cases evoke feelings of sadness, anger, and helplessness.
Taking a Stand
In one school, a teacher not only physically punished students for homework mistakes but also sexually harassed adolescent girls, making inappropriate comments and touching them. During the Her Turn workshops, the girls learned about their rights and the different forms of violence. At the end of the program, they formed a Girls Support Committee to address the issues they faced. When they reported the abuse to the principal, she hesitated to take action due to the teacher’s political connections. In response, the girls organized a strike, closing the school for a day, which garnered support from their male peers. Following the protest, the School Management Committee held several meetings with the principal, teachers, and the Girls Support Committee. Ultimately, the teacher apologized and committed to ending the abuse. Years later, he now holds a leadership position in another school and has expressed that he wouldn’t allow our program to be implemented.
The Need for Systemic Change
Over the years, we have conducted training on SRGBV for adolescents to empower them to respond and report incidents. We have also provided safe school training for teachers and stakeholders, but interest in such programs remains low. In some schools, when codes of conduct were established, they were often destroyed shortly after being posted. We are acutely aware that many more incidents likely go unreported, and countless girls continue to suffer in silence.
The United Nations Girls Education Initiative recognizes school-related gender-based violence as a significant barrier to gender equality in education. This raises a critical question: Who is responsible for ensuring that schools are safe spaces for all children, particularly girls? Why are we failing our children by not making them feel safe, heard, and valued? SRGBV is a human rights violation that undermines the very foundations of our education systems. By confronting this issue and addressing its root causes, we can create safer, more equitable schools that empower all children to reach their full potential.
Closing Thoughts
Empowering adolescents is crucial, but it is not enough. There must be robust mechanisms in place to address these issues. For now, our focus remains on empowering girls, for their voices have begun to shake the foundations of predatory behavior in schools. Together, we can strengthen an environment where every child feels safe, respected, and empowered to learn.