Factors that inhibit implementation of policies on gender-based violence in schools: A case study of two districts in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The magnitude and severity of gender-based violence (GBV) in schools led to development of policies by the Department of Education to address the problem. However, GBV in schools continues to escalate, notwithstanding adoption of these policies. Girls are most affected by the violence, which is committed by other learners, teachers and school employees. This study examined the factors that inhibit implementation of policies on GBV in South African schools. It examined the extent to which teachers and other members of the school community understand such policies and their rights and responsibilities in this regard; how incidents of sexual violence are reported; steps followed to address such incidents; people involved in the implementation process, etc. The findings show that many teachers, learners and other members of the school community are not aware of some of the policies nor the seriousness of the phenomenon and their rights and responsibilities in implementation of these policies.