Nairobi: A recent study by the Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) reveals alarming levels of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) affecting women athletes in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The report, which surveyed 748 individuals and conducted 18 in-depth interviews, highlights a pervasive culture of violence, with 62% of participants reporting either personal experience or knowledge of such incidents.
In Kenya, the reported SGBV incidents stand at a staggering 69%, a significant rise from 43% last year, based on government figures. This increase underscores the urgent need for interventions to protect female athletes, who the study found are 82% more vulnerable to abuse than their male counterparts.
The study, part of GSMC’s Advancing Gender Equality in Media and Civil Society in East Africa project, sheds light on the forms of abuse prevalent in the sports community. Verbal abuse is the most common, followed by emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, often perpetrated by coaches, team officials, and spectators. Long-term athletes face heightened risks, indicating a correlation between career duration and abuse exposure.
Despite the widespread occurrence, only 17% of respondents admitted to personal experiences of SGBV. A concerning 25% declined to answer questions about their experiences, suggesting a climate of fear and stigma surrounding the issue. Many athletes fear retaliation and its potential impact on their careers, leading to underreporting of such incidents.
Dr. Hebson Owilla, the study’s Principal Investigator, emphasized the importance of using these findings to drive actionable change within sports organizations. He advocated for enhanced safety measures and support systems for women in sports.
Professor Nancy Booker, Dean at GSMC, urged stakeholders to address the systemic challenges contributing to the vulnerability of women athletes. The report calls for education initiatives, stricter penalties, mandatory training for coaches, and the enforcement of safeguarding policies to combat SGBV in sports.
The findings aim to catalyze action from sports federations, governments, and civil society to create a safer environment for female athletes in East Africa.