UNESCO prepares for a global research on gender-based violence in higher education

In its unwavering commitment to creating safer environments in higher education globally, UNESCO is launching a global assessment on gender-based violence (GBV). Building on insights from the initial 2023 pilot survey, this initiative aims to explore various aspects of GBV, such as its forms, magnitude, impact on affected groups, dynamics of perpetrators, consequences, and the preventive measures in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The pilot study, focused on Latin America and the Caribbean, laid a solid foundation, revealing that more than half (53%) of the respondents reported having suffered some type of psychological or emotional violence in higher education institutions. With this groundwork, UNESCO is transitioning from a regional to a global perspective, undertaking a comprehensive multi-country study. The initiative will first concentrate on five countries from the Global South. Within these countries, HEIs will be selected based on predefined criteria, validated by UNESCO.

This pioneering effort reflects UNESCO´s dedication to fostering higher education spaces free from gender-based violence. As we eagerly await insights from this crucial phase, stakeholders, academics, and advocates are urged to stay engaged and closely follow the progress.

Este esfuerzo pionero refleja la dedicación de la UNESCO a fomentar espacios de educación superior libres de violencia de género. Mientras esperamos con impaciencia los resultados de esta fase crucial, se insta a las partes interesadas, a los académicos y a los defensores de la causa a que se mantengan comprometidos y sigan de cerca los progresos.