Teachers empowered to fight GBV in Migori schools as 400,000 children benefit

Migori County is taking bold steps to curb rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) against schoolgirls by placing teachers at the forefront of prevention efforts.

This comes amid reports indicating that at least 400 cases of sexual violence against girls were recorded between 2022 and 2024, highlighting the urgent need for action.

In response, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), in partnership with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), has launched a new initiative to train teachers on child protection, early warning signs of abuse, and effective reporting mechanisms. The program aims to reach over 400,000 school-going children in Migori County.

“Teachers play a critical role in safeguarding learners. This initiative equips them with practical skills to detect and address abuse in learning institutions,” said Michael Kamiru, a CIFF officer overseeing the project.

The initiative goes beyond teacher training. Self-defence and awareness programs are also being introduced in primary schools to empower girls to speak up, defend themselves, and report abuse.

Boys are actively involved as well—learning about respect, consent, and the importance of standing against harmful behaviour, with the goal of fostering a culture of safety and equality.

Community involvement remains central to the success of the program. Women leaders are mentoring girls and educating them about their rights, while broader community efforts tackle linked challenges such as HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancies—often fuelled by GBV.

Despite the progress, stakeholders stress the need for more resources, policy support, and community engagement to ensure lasting impact.

As Migori steps up its fight against gender-based violence, the hope is that empowering teachers and educating communities will offer a lasting solution to protect vulnerable children and end the cycle of abuse.