School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) is affecting the learning, safety and well-being of millions of learners worldwide. It's also holding entire education systems back. Every child deserves to learn in an equal and safe environment. The cost of inaction is huge, but so is the opportunity to create safer, more inclusive and gender‑equal schools for everyone. Ending violence in schools not only safeguards young people from violence, but supports them to grow into peaceful, non-violent adults. It can reduce boys’ perpetration of GBV, reduce girls’ immediate and long-term exposure to GBV, and improve overall educational outcomes for students.
The diverse forms of SRGBV, sexual, physical, emotional, in person or online, affect many children and adolescents in educational settings, putting their right to learn in jeopardy. SRGBV undermines individual well-being, and the broader goal of equal and safe education for all. Children exposed to violence are more likely to face learning difficulties, struggle in school, and face a higher risk of sexual exploitation and abuse later in life. Globally, 20–37% of children and adolescents report experiencing SRGBV. In some regions, that number rises to 75%. This must end, and it starts with collective action.
Mr Likho Bottoman: Director, Social Cohesion and Equity in Education, explained that “United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI), UNESCO and UNICEF are launching a new e‑course packed with tools to strengthen prevention and response across education systems in a webinar on 18 March 2026. The webinar will be spotlighting practical solutions to turn commitment to SRGBV into long-lasting change. The session will launch the new Online Training Course on SRGBV, a comprehensive, evidence‑based resource packed with tools to strengthen prevention and response across education systems and provide powerful insights from adolescents, young feminist activists, multilaterals and government representatives. Participants will explore real solutions, best practices, and collective commitments to make schools safe, equal, and free from GBV. Governments, educators, youth activists and partners will come together to tip the scale from commitment to practice. The Webinar will feature powerful speakers including Minister Siviwe Gwarube, government representatives and the Global Working Group to End SRGBV”.
Click on the below link to join the webinar:
https://unicef.zoom.us