Teachers Training Underway- End School-Based Gender Violence in Africa

By African View Staff Writer

July 31, 2025

Over 20 African Union member countries have sent educators to Cameroon this week for a bold new push to end school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) a crisis that affects millions of children across the continent.

Held in Yaoundé from July 28–31, the four-day training equips teachers with the tools to spot, prevent, and respond to violence in and around schools. It was indicated that educators will leave the training not just as trainers, but as advocates for safer, more inclusive learning spaces.

“You are the custodians of safe and nurturing schools,” said Mrs. Simone Yankey, Coordinator of AU CIEFFA, at the launch. “This is about more than prevention—it’s about healing and transformation.”

SRGBV is a silent crisis, impacting an estimated 246 million students globally each year (UNICEF). In Africa, it remains a major cause of absenteeism, dropouts, and poor learning outcomes, especially for girls.

Speakers from UNESCO, FAWE, and the Pan African University called for urgent, united action and praised Cameroon for launching the #AfricaEducatesHer campaign.

“We must turn risks into opportunities,” said Prof. Jean Koulidiati, “and give violence prevention the priority it deserves.”

The workshop is co-hosted by AU CIEFFA, UNESCO-IICBA, and FAWE, strengthening pan-African efforts to put gender equality and learner safety at the heart of education.

Source: - African Union