Gender-Based Violence in Mali: A Hidden Disaster in Schools

Abstract

Introduction: Violence against girls has always been considered as a factor of deschooling in French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa. It is often inadequately reflected in Education for all policies and programs. The objective is to study the frequency and characteristics of gender-based violence at the tertiary vocational training institute (IFP-TER) in Kayes/Mali. Methodology: The survey was conducted for four months (September 1 to December 30, 2012). A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the establishment of IFP-TER Kayes. The study population consists of all the girls in the school. Extensive sampling was done. Individual interviews were conducted and data entered on the Epidata 3.1 software and analyzed on SPSS version 16.0. Results: 357 girls were surveyed, of whom 336 experienced at least one form of violence. Of the girls who were abused, 52.4% experienced sexual violence, 77% experienced physical violence, and 47.4% experienced emotional abuse. The vast majority of assaults took place at school (50.9%) and 40% in host families of students. Of the girls surveyed, 77% said they were victims of physical violence, jostling; punches and slaps were frequently cited as types of violence with 69.1%; 40.7% and 36.4%. Girls were victims of sexual violence 52.4% of cases, threats and harassment were the most cited with respectively 75.1% and 74.8%; rape was cited in 41.9% of cases. Blackmail predominated among victims of psychological violence (81.5%). Conclusion: The proportion of girls who are abused (94.3%) raises the issue of gender-based violence at the level of IFP-TER. Faced with this situation; it seems advisable to lead an effective fight with the involvement of the various actors in the Kayes region.