UNATU Trains Secondary School Representatives to End School-Related Gender-Based Violence

Date: 9th August 2025
Venue: Bat Valley Primary School, Kampala

The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), in partnership with Education International (EI) and with funding from the National Education Association (NEA), convened a high-impact Training Workshop on Ending School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) for 98 male and female union secondary school representatives from across Kampala.

The workshop aimed to reawaken participants’ understanding of SRGBV and strengthen their roles as champions and advocates for safer, more inclusive learning environments.

Opening Call to Action

In his opening remarks, Deputy General Secretary Duluga Buni Phillip described SRGBV as “not just a global concern, but a daily reality for many of our learners here in Uganda.” He cited alarming research showing that male teachers are more likely to perpetrate violence against learners, with female learners disproportionately facing sexual violence.

The consequences, he stressed, are far-reaching—school dropouts, poor mental health, and the perpetuation of harmful cycles. He called on educators to serve as “duty bearers, mentors, and protectors”, reminding them that “what our learners see, hear, and experience profoundly shapes their values and future.”

Understanding SRGBV and Its Impact

Session 1, led by Joan Aja, UNATU Gender Officer, unpacked the forms of SRGBV—sexual, physical, and psychological harm rooted in gender stereotypes and unequal power relations. This includes rape, harassment, corporal punishment, bullying, and verbal abuse.

Participants were confronted with sobering statistics—globally, over 115 million children experience SRGBV annually, while in Uganda, corporal punishment rates exceed 74% in government schools.

Teachers were guided on reporting procedures, including listening to survivors, documenting cases, engaging legal and child protection structures, making use of the Sauti 116 Uganda Child Helpline, and ensuring confidentiality. The Gender Officer urged educators to become visible advocates for safe, inclusive schools and to integrate gender responsiveness into everyday teaching.

EI and UNATU’s Commitment

Session 2 outlined the joint commitment of Education International AFRICA and UNATU (an affiliate of Education International) in ending SRGBV. Since 2016, UNATU has been a pioneer in Africa for implementing EI’s SRGBV campaign, supported by NEA-USA.

The program focuses on preventing violence that forces learners out of school and leaves educators vulnerable. UNATU reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance, stating it will not defend any teacher who violates a student’s rights. Participants were urged to apply their learning in schools, work with communities, and ensure all children—whether in school or out—are protected.

Creating Gender Responsive Learning Environments

Session 3, facilitated by Joan Aja, UNATU Gender Officer, emphasized the importance of creating safe schools that are physically, emotionally, and socially safe.

Key components included:

Secure infrastructure and accessible facilities for learners with disabilities
Adequate sanitation for all learners
Positive school climate rooted in respect and inclusion

She encouraged positive discipline over corporal punishment, integrating life skills, values, and non-violent methods into classroom management. Teachers were also encouraged to reflect on whether their schools are truly safe and welcoming.

Her call was powerful: “Walk the journey with me, know my problems. When I sit behind, I do not see, what have you done about it?”

Plenary Discussion: Prevention, Protection, and Response

The Human Resource Officer, UNATU, Abaru Pamela outlined a practical framework:

Prevention:

Clear zero-tolerance policies
Teacher training on gender equality and positive discipline
Integrating respect, consent, and empathy into lessons
Safe school environments and community awareness campaigns

Protection:

Anonymous reporting mechanisms
Child protection committees
Peer mentorship programs
Partnerships with police, social workers, and NGOs

Response:

Immediate safety and medical help for survivors
Confidential case handling
Counseling and trauma-informed care
Disciplinary and legal action against perpetrators

Long-term Change:

Regular school safety audits
Policy advocacy for stronger child protection laws
Youth-led anti-violence clubs
Cultural change through media and dialogue

Participants’ Reflections and Recommendations

During plenary, participants:

Called for training to be cascaded to teacher training colleges
Raised the need to protect teachers from false accusations while upholding professionalism
Emphasized addressing the generation gap between learners, teachers, and administrators
Proposed integrating skilling programs to address financial pressures that fuel SRGBV risks
Suggested a multi-layered approach to tackling SRGBV—school, district, regional, and national actions

They also developed a collaboration framework, proposing:

WhatsApp networks to stay connected
Rotational activities in different regions
Follow-up and encouragement for victims to report
Virtual engagement sessions
Integrating SRGBV advocacy into UNATU activities
Stronger UNATU–head teacher collaboration
Participants committed to enforce and fight to end SRGBV, achieve gender equality in order to improve on the learning outcomes in education institutions. They appreciate UNATU,EI and NEA for the opportunity of learning and sharing experiences as educators.

Closing Remarks

The Branch Chairperson Rubaga, Nakiryowa Annet gave the closing remarks on behalf of the National Secretary for Women Affairs. She thanked participants for their active engagement and openness. She urged them to transform their teaching methods, champion safe schools, and act as ambassadors against SRGBV.

“Violence is a huge problem that should never rob our students of their future,” she said. “Together, we can make every school a place where children are protected, inspired, and empowered.”