The Effects of School-Related Gender-Based Violence on Education and Health Outcomes in Rural Malawi: A Longitudinal Analysis

Stephanie R. Psaki, Population Council
Erica Soler-Hampejsek, Population Council
Barbara S. Mensch, Population Council

Despite global progress in reducing gender inequalities in education in low-income settings, policy-makers have raised concerns that school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV), perceived as being widespread and targeting girls disproportionately, may have negative education and health consequences. Much of the research to date on SRGBV has been qualitative and descriptive, with few quantitative studies assessing its longer-term effects. Using longitudinal data from the Malawi Schooling and Adolescent Study, we aim to fill gaps in the literature by exploring the effects of SRGBV on education and health outcomes for adolescents. Our research questions are: (1) To what extent do adolescent students in rural southern Malawi experience SRGBV? (2) Does experience of SRGBV affect education outcomes, including literacy and attainment? (3) Does experience of SRGBV lead to earlier marriage or childbearing? (4) Do these relationships vary by gender?