A Student-Centric Evaluation of a Program Addressing Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Three African Countries

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Aug 1;20(15):6498. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20156498.

Abstract

Studies investigating the effectiveness of school-related gender-based violence prevention programs seldom report on the extent to which students themselves value and recommend such programs. Yet, along with evidence about effectiveness in relation to shifts in knowledge, attitudes, or intentions, student-valuing is a significant indicator that the programs can make a positive contribution to students' lives. This mixed-method study analyses survey and focus group data collected from ninety-two schools in three African countries (Tanzania, Zambia, and Eswatini). Students found the program contributed to improved peer relationships and identified the five most useful components as learning about gender equality and human rights, learning how to obtain help for those affected by violence, understanding and communicating about their emotions, strategies to avoid joining in with bullying and harassment, and understanding the effects of gender-based violence.

Keywords: gender-based violence; prevention education; student voice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bullying* / psychology
  • Gender-Based Violence* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Program Evaluation / methods
  • Schools
  • Students / psychology
  • Tanzania
  • Violence

Grants and funding

This research was funded by UNESCO (Contract N°: 4500427828). The authors were funded by UNESCO to analyse the data and prepare this paper. The first author was funded by UNESCO to develop Connect with Respect resources, and to lead the cultural consultation and program revision for the trial in the African countries. Local agencies in each of the three countries provided the training to support the trials, and to collect the data.