Reports Cite Widespread Gender-Based Violence, Rising Teen Pregnancy

A 2023 study by the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) Rwanda, conducted in the districts of Bugesera and Kicukiro, found that students face sexual and gender-based violence while traveling to school, at school and on their way home. The study surveyed 661 students from 12 secondary schools and 335 students from higher learning institutions.

More than 43% of secondary school students said they had witnessed boys committing gender-based violence against girls. Over half reported seeing boys force girls into sexual acts, while more than 80% said girls were verbally abused for refusing romantic relationships. Many respondents also reported physical violence, threats and degrading language, including harassment targeting girls during menstruation.

The study also highlighted alleged sexual abuse by teachers. Nearly 80% of secondary school students said teachers asked girls for sexual favors. More than 87% reported that teachers promised academic assistance, while 88% said teachers offered better grades in exchange for sex. Others said teachers used intimidation when students refused. Despite these reports, 95% of students said they rejected such advances.

At universities and other higher learning institutions, most respondents said sexual relationships between students and lecturers were uncommon, though some acknowledged they do occur.

Separate findings from the National Commission for Human Rights in 2023 and 2024 show that teenage pregnancy remains a serious challenge. Among girls surveyed, 68% under age 18 became pregnant as a result of defilement. Others cited rape or unintended pregnancies from consensual relationships. Most were impregnated by boyfriends or neighbors, with perpetrators typically under age 24.

The commission found that gender-based violence has severe consequences for education. About 78% of girls who became pregnant dropped out of school permanently, while only 5% continued their studies during pregnancy.

Judicial statistics for 2024 and 2025 show more than 6,100 defilement cases were prosecuted. National health surveys indicate teenage pregnancy rates rose to 8% in 2025, underscoring persistent challenges to girls’ safety and access to education.