Research carried out by Plan International and the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) in five Asian countries found that Pakistan has the lowest levels of violence (43%) among all the schools in Asia.
The research, carried out across 2013 and 2014 assessed the prevalence, nature, response and reporting of various forms of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) in, around and on the way to school in five Asian countries, namely, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Vietnam.
Despite Pakistan having the lowest levels of violence, an international group has said that 43% is still a “distressingly high” rate.
While conducting the research, ICRW spoke to over 9,000 boys and girls across the five countries about their experiences pertaining to violence and gender equality in schools. The findings from the research are detrimental for designing an effective programme that responds to the real needs, priorities and interests of school going boys and girls in these countries.
The violence ranges from physical and sexual abuse, emotional violence, and threat of violence. Violence in schools is rife and is perpetrated by teachers, school staff, among students themselves, and from family members.
The report presented data collected from more than 9,000 girls and boys studying in grades six through eight, parents, teachers, NGO workers and other stakeholders in the five countries.
Released on Monday, the report reveals high levels of violence in schools across Asia, with seven out of 10 children reported to have experienced violence at school.
