Title: Challenges in the fight against gender-based violence in schools
Introduction :
The issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in schools is a universal problem that is no exception in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is in this context that UNESCO organized a series of reflections on GBV, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV/AIDS in schools. These two days of reflection, which took place in Lubumbashi, brought together political and social actors in order to find adequate responses to this scourge which affects thousands of young people and adolescents in the DRC.
The context of gender-based violence in the DRC:
GBV, sexual violence and HIV are major issues in the DRC, with tragic consequences for young people and adolescents. Early and unwanted pregnancies, clandestine abortions, as well as the spread of HIV are all dramatic consequences of this violence. Faced with this alarming reality, it is essential that all political and social actors get involved in order to provide appropriate responses.
UNESCO’s investment in the sexual and reproductive health of young people:
UNESCO considers that investing in the rights and sexual and reproductive health of young people is an essential condition for their development and empowerment. This includes comprehensive sexuality education, which will enable adolescents and young people to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that promote informed choices and respectful relationships.
The role of education in the fight against gender-based violence:
Education plays a central role in the fight against school-based gender-based violence. By equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and skills, we enable them to emancipate themselves, to know their rights and to assert them. Comprehensive sexuality education enables young people to reflect on the consequences of their choices on their well-being and that of others, and to make informed decisions.
Participant involvement:
Participants in these days of reflection were encouraged to get actively involved in the fight against gender-based violence. The representative of the National Adolescent Health Program (PNSA) stressed the importance of not remaining silent in the face of these problems, and invited the participants to become fighters against these scourges. Thanks to the availability of funds from UNESCO, this workshop offers the opportunity to strengthen the capacities of actors involved in the fight against GBV in schools.
Conclusion :
The fight against gender-based violence in schools is a major challenge in the DRC, and requires the involvement of all social and political actors.. UNESCO, through these days of reflection, works for the education, sexual and reproductive health of young people, in order to provide them with the necessary tools to flourish, empower themselves and make informed choices. Comprehensive sexuality education plays a central role in this fight, enabling young people to understand their rights and develop respectful relationships. It is essential not to remain silent in the face of these issues and to actively engage in ending GBV in schools.