Gender-based violence (GBV) leaves lifelong scars, particularly when it affects young people. Children and adolescents worldwide experience violence in environments meant to be safe—homes, schools, and communities. Addressing this problem early in life is essential, as GBV in childhood not only affects immediate well-being but also shapes a young person’s future.
Adolescent girls are especially vulnerable to forms of GBV like early marriage and sexual violence. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that one in four girls will experience sexual violence before reaching adulthood, often in environments where cultural norms uphold gender inequalities and prioritize male dominance. UNICEF adds that boys also experience GBV in unique ways, facing pressures to adopt aggressive behaviour in alignment with rigid views of masculinity. These pressures often lead boys to both experience and perpetuate violence later in life, continuing a cycle that affects future generations.
Protecting children from GBV is an ongoing effort that requires commitment from everyone—parents, educators, community leaders, and policymakers. Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in children and adolescents requires a combination of education, community support, and legal protections. Education in schools and communities about respect, equality, and personal rights is crucial. By raising awareness on GBV prevention and empowering young people to understand their rights, communities can help prevent violence before it begins. Together, we can build a future where young people are free to grow up in safety and pursue their potential. Ending GBV among youth is not just about safety; it’s about creating a foundation of respect and equality that will shape the generations to come.
Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #EndChildViolence #ProtectOurFuture #StopGBV #YouthSafety #BreakTheCycle #GenderEquality ##GenderJustice
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). Preventing Violence Against Children and Adolescents, WHO, 2023
- UNICEF. Safe to Learn: Protecting Children in Schools, UNICEF, 2023
- UNICEF Nigeria. Child Protection Programs and Gender-Based Violence, UNICEF Nigeria, 2023
