Beyond the Classroom: Conversations Every Parent Should Have About Gender-Based Violence

With schools closed for the mid-term break, parents and caregivers in Kenya have a unique window to engage their children, especially girls, in meaningful conversations about School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV). These discussions are not just timely; they are essential.

SRGBV refers to acts or threats of sexual, physical, or psychological violence occurring in and around schools, often driven by harmful gender norms and unequal power dynamics. In Kenya, the statistics are sobering. According to a 2019 Violence Against Children survey in Kenya, 15.6% of women aged 18–24 had experienced sexual violence during childhood, and alarmingly, over 62% of these individuals endured multiple incidents before turning 18. Girls are particularly vulnerable, facing risks such as harassment, coercion, and abuse from peers, teachers, school staff, or even during their commute to school.

Parents can begin by helping children understand what SRGBV is. Use simple, age-appropriate language to explain subtle and obvious ways in which SGBV manifests itself. Parents and guardians should go further and emphasize that no one has the right to hurt, threaten, or touch them without consent. The importance of personal boundaries should be established, and the power of saying “NO” should always be repeated.

Next, foster open communication. Let your child know they can talk to you about anything without fear of blame or punishment. This trust is especially critical for girls, who may feel silenced by shame or fear of being doubted.

It’s also important to challenge harmful gender stereotypes. Phrases like “boys will be boys” or “girls should be quiet” reinforce inequality and normalize violence. Instead, encourage empathy, respect, and equality in everyday interactions between boys and girls in the home setting. Shake it up a bit, boys and girls, to share all chores equally, meaning no task should be just for a gender specific.

Parents should also teach their children how to be allies.  Encourage them to safely support peers who may be experiencing violence and how to report incidents to trusted individuals such as prefects, teachers, or head teachers.

Using stories, or even news articles found in both digital and print spaces, to help spark these conversations. Ask your child how they would feel in a character’s shoes or what they might do in a similar situation. As a parent, you will be able to assess if there are any gaps in your role in trying to prevent your children from being victims of any form of SGBV.

“At Women Link Worldwide, we believe parents play a pivotal role in addressing School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV). We encourage parents and caregivers to be especially vigilant during school breaks, when children may be more vulnerable. Parental involvement is key to identifying early warning signs of abuse and bridging protection gaps at home,” said Agnes Rogo, Managing Attorney at Women’s Link Worldwide.

Ultimately, these conversations are not just about protection—they’re about empowerment. By equipping girls with knowledge, confidence, and support, we help them reclaim their right to learn and grow in safe, respectful environments. And that’s a lesson worth repeating—mid-term or not.

Read Also: Women’s Leadership Holds The Key To Workplace Gender Balance

Women’s Link Worldwide
Beverly A. Mumbo
Senior Legal Programs Manager