1. Discrimination and Violence Against the Girl Child

2. Objectives  Identify instances of discrimination and violence against the girl child  Examine the role of education in addressing discrimination and violence against the girl child

3. Introduction  There exist many laws internationally and nationally that should protect the Girl Child against discrimination and violence  However, she is subjected to some of the worst forms of human rights abuses (UN EGM, 2006).  Also some of their families and communities regard these as ‘normal practices’ which ordinarily happen.

4. When Does This Discrimination and Violence Occur?  Girls encounter discrimination and violence right from birth.  During adolescence, their susceptibility to sexual violence increases.

5. Where Does This Discrimination and Violence Occur?  It occurs in settings where they expect maximum protection such as: oIn School oAt Home oAmong the Immediate Community

6. Forms of Discrimination and Violence  Sexual Violence / Incest /Rape  Harmful Traditional Practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)  Early / Forced Marriage  Child Heads of Family  Denial of Access to Basic Health Care and Sanitation

7. Forms of Discrimination and Violence  Parents Negative Attitude towards Girls’ Education  Domestic Violence  Commercial Sexual Exploitation  Trafficking for Labor and Sexual Exploitation  Hazardous Work  Teenage Pregnancy

8. Role of Education in Addressing Discrimination and Violence against the Girl Child  Providing education to the Girl Child is the best way of addressing problems affecting the girls.  They should be encouraged to start school at an early age to ensure higher retention and completion rates.  Improving access to education and eliminating gender gaps in education.

9. Conclusion  The Innovative Woman Teacher should intervene by focusing on issues that: oEncourage the girls who are already in school to stay in school oProactively address the matters that may lead them to drop out of school

10. Questions  Any questions and comments from the class?