Teachers Taking a Stand Against School-Related Gender-Based Violence in Zambia

CHINSALI DISTRICT, Zambia – The silent narrative of an empty desk in a classroom, often overlooked, has become a powerful catalyst for change in Zambia's education sector. For Mr. Friday Nkonde, the dedicated Head Teacher at Tongotongo Secondary School in Chinsali District, such an absence spoke volumes, leading him to uncover the heartbreaking reality of a diligent student forced into marriage. This profound incident served as a turning point, solidifying his resolve to transform schools into bastions of safety and learning, far beyond mere academic performance. Mr. Nkonde's personal awakening is now a driving force behind a broader, nationwide effort to combat school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV). He is one of 300 in-service teachers in Chinsali District, and part of a larger cohort of 1,200 educators across Eastern and Muchinga provinces, who have undergone intensive training through the 'Connect with Respect' (CwR) program. This initiative, supported by the Spotlight Initiative and implemented in partnership with UNESCO and the Ministry of Education, equips teachers with the crucial skills to identify, prevent, and effectively respond to cases of abuse, fostering positive and gender-responsive learning environments. The program is set to directly benefit an estimated 84,000 students, underscoring the widespread impact of this teacher-led intervention. SRGBV remains a significant impediment to quality education globally, manifesting as physical, sexual, and psychological violence within and around school premises. These acts are often fueled by harmful gender norms and unequal power dynamics, turning what should be safe spaces into arenas of fear. In Zambia, the challenge is particularly acute; the 2023 Zambia Gender Assessment Report reveals that over 36 percent of women and girls aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Such violence severely impacts learners' mental health, attendance, academic performance, and long-term dev