Paper short abstract:

This paper explores how GBV in schools threatens girls' safety. It highlights vulnerabilities in low-resource settings and argues for prioritizing safety and addressing GBV in physical and online spaces as essential to equitable development strategies. ________________________________________

Paper long abstract:

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant barrier to girls' education and development, particularly in low-income settings. This paper examines how GBV intersects with unsafe physical and digital environments in Nigerian schools, constraining girls’ potential and reinforcing inequality.

Drawing on workshop activities and interview data with adolescent girls, the study identifies two core vulnerabilities:

Physical Insecurity: Dilapidated school structures, unmonitored entry points, and inadequate supervision expose girls to harassment and abuse, rendering educational spaces unsafe.

Digital Vulnerabilities: The increasing reliance on digital technologies amplifies risks such as cyberbullying, online harassment and exploitation, particularly for girls with limited digital literacy or economic means.

These risks not only jeopardize girls' immediate safety but also hinder long-term development by reducing educational attainment, increasing absenteeism, and undermining self-confidence. This research situates girls' experiences within systemic inequalities that normalize GBV, arguing for safety as a core component of development.

Key contributions include:

Identifying structural and digital conditions exacerbating GBV in schools.

Centering girls' perspectives on navigating these risks.

Proposing actionable solutions like comprehensive sexuality education, digital literacy initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.

This study aligns with the panel’s focus by demonstrating that addressing GBV is essential for transforming women lives and societal outcomes. It emphasize the urgency of creating secure physical and digital spaces where girls and young women can thrive, fostering a more equitable future.