A descriptive phenomenological study of school-related gender-based violence: lived experiences of symbolic violence, harassment, and systemic complicity in a mixed secondary school in Nairobi, Kenya

This study explored the everyday experiences of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) among students at a mixed secondary school in Nairobi, Kenya. Through in-depth conversations with learners, the researchers documented how girls and boys experienced verbal harassment, intimidation, inappropriate touching, and other forms of harmful behavior in and around the school. Students described how comments about their bodies, insults, and pressured interactions made them feel unsafe and disrespected. Many felt that teachers and school staff did not take their concerns seriously, and some reported that adults either ignored incidents or blamed victims instead of addressing the problem. The study also found that school rules and reporting systems were not effective, leaving students feeling unsure about where to turn for help. Some participants explained that fear of shame or retaliation prevented them from speaking up, while others noted that harmful gender stereotypes made it harder for both boys and girls to report abuse. Overall, the findings highlight that gender-based violence at school is not only about individual acts of harassment, but also about the wider culture and lack of support systems that allow it to continue. The authors emphasize the need for action at both school and system levels, including strengthening school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) prevention and response policies, training teachers and school staff to respond appropriately, establishing safe and confidential reporting mechanisms for students, and engaging families to better support learners who experience violence.