TACKLING SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE TO IMPROVE GIRLS' SCHOOL RETENTION

THE IMPACT OF SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY BASED INTERVENTION IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of school and community-based intervention in tackling sexual and gender-based violence to improve girls’ school retention across Adamawa State. The objectives of the study include to determine the school initiatives that are put in place to promote retention and prevent violence against girl-child in secondary schools in the state; and to conduct a statistical survey of how community interventions promote the girl-child retention in secondary schools in the state. The simple random method was used to select 405 students from 9 schools at rate of 45 students per school structured questionnaire was used for data collection where data were analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation and linear regression was used to test hypotheses. The study found that the school initiative against SGBV significantly influence retention of girl – child in secondary schools in Adamawa state, and the community initiative against SGBV positively influence the girl-child retention in secondary schools of Adamawa State. The study concluded that the school initiation of stringent rules and WASH facilities is discouraging SGBV and boosting girl-child retention in school. In the same vein, the community strategy against SGBV is working and enhances school retention. Thus, it was recommended that the Adamawa state ministry of education through post primary board management should support the school authorities to ensure that school-based policies and strategies against sexual and gender-based violence remain functional and effective.