Managing Gender-Based Violence in Basic Schools for Sustainable National Security

Abstract

This paper examined how management of gender-based violence in basic schools can promote sustainable national security. The paper looked at the level of insecurity in Nigeria such kidnapping and armed robbery attack, economic and political related assassinations, bombings and killings which have constituted a very grave threat to the country’s sovereignty. These security challenges in so many ways encourage gender-based violence in basic schools where girls are proportionately the victims. The paper therefore, views the concept of gender, violence, gender-based violence, basic school and sustainable national security. The paper examines banditry, kidnapping, abduction bullying, sexual harassment and abuse, and physical insults and threats as the types of gender-based violence in basic schools. The paper also identified school location, nudity, the media and lack of girl-friendly school environments among others as some factors promoting gender-based violence the basic schools. The paper also identified the effect of gender-based violence on girls’ education such as absenteeism, drop out, and truancy. The paper identified lack of physical facilities, lack of community cooperation, lack of expertise or corruption among educational leaders as some of the challenges inhibiting effective the management of gender-based violence in basic schools. Providing school fence for security, installing cameras (CCTV), providing buses for schools, are some of the ways forward to preventing gender-based violence in basic schools. The paper suggested that school authorities should the teaching of positive behaviour a highly coordinated activity. This could be achieved through, coaching, modeling, anger management, and conflict management to help students control their natural instincts and desires. The paper also, suggested that school management should facilitate the removal of culture and traditional norms promoting nudity among girls through legal instruments and policies.