This Evidence Gap Map (EGM) – developed by a research team from Stellenbosch University with funding from GIZ – identifies and organises available research on school-based GBV prevention programmes in low- and middle-income countries. The map brings together findings from peer-reviewed studies published since 2000, including randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies and systematic reviews, highlighting key findings and gaps to inform future research, policy and practice.

Background

Schools are in a unique position to address and prevent gender-based violence (GBV) across the Southern African region. They play a critical role in shaping children and adolescents’ values, relationships, and social norms, both during their formative years and into adulthood.

At the same time, schools can also be environments where GBV occurs, contributing to cycles of trauma, poor mental health, and disrupted education. Although low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) report high levels of GBV, there has been an increase in the implementation of school-based preventive programming across the region. Still, we lack clarity on what evidence exists, how effective these programmes are, and where gaps remain. This lack of a consolidated picture makes it difficult for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to build on what works and address areas that have been overlooked.

To address this need, this Evidence Gap Map (EGM) was developed to identify and organise available research on school-based GBV prevention programmes in low- and middle-income countries, including the SADC region, with support from GIZ. Developed through a systematic review process strengthened by expert consultations with both young people and GBV specialists, the map brings together findings from studies published since 2000.

Findings

The EGM includes evidence from 50 randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies and seven systematic reviews. Among the primary studies, 15 took place in primary schools, 23 in high schools, and 12 across both primary and high schools.

There were 47 studies testing interventions involving education and life skills, 26 interventions targeted norms and values, four on response and support services and one each on parenting support and economic strengthening. There were no studies on laws and governance, school governance or safe environments interventions.

In terms of intervention type, 46 were universally delivered, four targeted, and one indicated. Participants were primarily adolescents (n=42) and children (n=18), with fewer interventions involving school staff (n=3), and parents and caregivers (n=1).

Studies reported most often on knowledge and attitudes outcomes (n=39), followed by GBV exposure (n=18), healthy relationship skills (n=10), GBV perpetration (n=10), help seeking (n=5), and supportive behaviours and environments (n=5).

Implications

There are important gaps in evidence on the impact of laws and governance, school governance, safe environments, parenting support, and economic strengthening. More research is needed on interventions that work across sectors, for example, those linking the education sector with health, social protection, and justice systems, and those that address social and gender norms as well as structural drivers of inequalities.

More research is also needed to better understand how targeted and indicated interventions affect children and adolescents who are facing unique risks in their environments. Evidence is especially limited for programmes designed for younger children and for those that engage parents and caregivers through school platforms. There are few evaluated interventions delivered to teachers and school staff, leading to a gap in programming for workforce strengthening to prevent GBV. More investment is needed in evaluating structured training, supervision, and support systems for facilitators and school staff, including opportunities for reflection, discussion, and learning on relevant topics.

Other outputs

How to use an Evidence Gap Map (EGM)

An EGM provides a visual overview of the existing research on a particular topic, helping users quickly understand the scope, strength, and focus of the evidence base.

In the interactive map, each bubble represents the type of evidence available for a specific combination of intervention and outcome. Click on a bubble to view details of a type of intervention, with links to studies.

You can explore the evidence gap map below. Alternatively, click the button to open it in a separate window.

Suggested citation: Carels, C., Gemmell, K., du Toit, S., Nair, A., Dinnie, Y., Mawoyo, T., Chideya, Y., Bradshaw, M., Stansert-Katzen, L., Skeen, S. An evidence gap map (EGM) on school-based programmes to prevent gender-based violence. 2025. Cape Town.