Capacity Assessment for Ending Gender Based Violence in Ethiopian Schools

Capacity Assessment for

Ending Gender Based Violence in

Ethiopian Schools

Public Lecture - Respublica Literaria CXVIII, MMXVI

Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos, PhD

Professor of Public Policy, School of Graduate Studies,

College of Business & Economics, AAU

Abstract

         The overall aim was to undertake the development of the nationwide capacity assessment on GBV in schools. Furthermore, the study assessed and identified good practices in addressing GBV in schools together with the major challenges and gaps. The focus of the present study was on Secondary and TVET levels. The study has reviewed and documented the progress made in the area of GBV. It has examined all stakeholders’ interventions and identifies the capacity gaps of duty bearers (Woreda Education Officials, Parents Teachers Association, school clubs, Parents) and those of right holders (girls and boys) within the context of GBV. It has identified and shared information on a selected set of promising interventions and good practices that are considered prime candidates for scaling up in the area of education in collaboration with other sectors. It has explored issues, factors and conditions that promote or constrain scaling up of appropriate strategies and models and identified and reviewed both systems-wide changes and reforms needed for the education sector as well as targeted interventions dealing with specific constraints to GBV.

           Based on the findings of the study drawn from desk review and field research, the following major gaps have been identified in the response and prevention capacity of all involved stakeholders in the fight against SRGBV. These are lack of adequate policies/laws/regulations to effectively deal with SRGBV. This is the case both at national level, district and school levels. There are problems of awareness among the community and officials at different levels and even among students as to the adverse impact of SRGBV on victims. There are capacity problems mainly in terms of providing the required services and support to victims as well as in efforts geared towards prevention and limited collaboration among the various stakeholders. The recommendations augur on key elements of an advocacy campaign to promote against GBV in schools and strategic recommendations for future interventions that will contribute to minimize the GBV in schools.

           Key words: SRGBV, school girls, GBV, TVET,

See paper here