Sex for grades: Sexual violence in Mozambique schools is “scandalous” – NGO

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Sex for grades: Sexual violence in Mozambique schools is “scandalous” – NGO

2:16 CAT | 24 Jan 2020

FILE: An empty school room in Mozambique. [File photo: DW]

Harassment and sexual violence in Mozambican schools is reaching scandalous levels and the Government has shown itself powerless to address the situation, in the opinion of the Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA).

WLSA’s concern is contained in a statement it released today, entitled “Civil society calls on the government of the city of Maputo to protect the human rights of women and girls”.

“In schools, harassment and sexual violence are reaching scandalous proportions, with no adequate measures being taken by the supervisory ministry [Education],” the note claims.

The WLSA directly accuses teachers of harassing and raping students, often in exchange for grades, enjoying impunity and [taking advantage of] their hierarchical superiority.

Furthermore, the WLSA continues, students who study at night are under constant threat of rape because of the lack of security in the city’s neighbourhoods.

“Many girls walk alone through unlit streets on their way to and from school, which leaves them vulnerable to attack by criminals,” the text says.

Regarding gender violence in general, the WLSA argues that crimes within the family home should cease to be covered up, because “women’s citizenship does not end when they cross the threshold of their houses”.

“It is the obligation of the State, taking into account the principle of universality, to guarantee the effective protection of the human rights of women and girls, wherever they are,” the document points out.

Freedom and respect must be guaranteed to all, with equal rights at home, at school, at work, on the streets – indeed, everywhere.

“Women must be able to dress as they feel best, without being threatened, and they must be able to walk anywhere in the city at any time of day,” the statement concludes.

Source: Deutsche Welle