Adolescents’ experience of gender-based violence
1
University of Global Health Equity, Burera, Rwanda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Gender-based violence (GBV) among adolescents remains a pressing global health and human rights concern (1). In Rwanda, its prevalence is associated with socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors, as well as access to response services such as the Isange One Stop Center (IOSC) (2). This study was conducted to explore the socio-cultural, economic, and institutional influences shaping vulnerability to GBV and experiences of reintegration among older adolescent survivors in the Burera district.
METHODS:
The study employed a qualitative interpretative phenomenological design to explore experiences of GBV among older adolescents in Burera district. 18 older adolescent survivors of GBV (aged 18-19), including 8 males and 10 females, were purposively selected based on their histories of different types of GBV (physical and sexual violence) from IOSC recording. We conducted in-depth interviews, guided by a semi-structured questionnaire. The translated transcripts were analyzed through inductive thematic analysis using Braun & Clarke’s framework. Data was analyzed through Dedoose software.
RESULTS:
Seven major themes were (1) social drivers of vulnerability, (2) institutional drivers of vulnerability, (3) economic drivers of vulnerability, (4) direct experiences of GBV, (5) psychological and emotional consequences, (6) facilitators of reintegration, and (7) barriers to reintegration. These factors include stigma, trauma, negative self-perception, relationship struggles within families and social circles, and unsafe environments in church and in school. Survivors also face significant challenges such as unintended pregnancy, school dropout, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and attempts. Furthermore, economic fragility, along with family and community support, plays a critical role in shaping adolescents’ ability to reintegrate into their communities.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings of the study underscore important program and policy adjustments to effectively address GBV vulnerability and support reintegration. Key areas include awareness of GBV, institutional support, and economic empowerment among survivors of GBV.
Gender-based violence (GBV) among adolescents remains a pressing global health and human rights concern (1). In Rwanda, its prevalence is associated with socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors, as well as access to response services such as the Isange One Stop Center (IOSC) (2). This study was conducted to explore the socio-cultural, economic, and institutional influences shaping vulnerability to GBV and experiences of reintegration among older adolescent survivors in the Burera district.
METHODS:
The study employed a qualitative interpretative phenomenological design to explore experiences of GBV among older adolescents in Burera district. 18 older adolescent survivors of GBV (aged 18-19), including 8 males and 10 females, were purposively selected based on their histories of different types of GBV (physical and sexual violence) from IOSC recording. We conducted in-depth interviews, guided by a semi-structured questionnaire. The translated transcripts were analyzed through inductive thematic analysis using Braun & Clarke’s framework. Data was analyzed through Dedoose software.
RESULTS:
Seven major themes were (1) social drivers of vulnerability, (2) institutional drivers of vulnerability, (3) economic drivers of vulnerability, (4) direct experiences of GBV, (5) psychological and emotional consequences, (6) facilitators of reintegration, and (7) barriers to reintegration. These factors include stigma, trauma, negative self-perception, relationship struggles within families and social circles, and unsafe environments in church and in school. Survivors also face significant challenges such as unintended pregnancy, school dropout, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and attempts. Furthermore, economic fragility, along with family and community support, plays a critical role in shaping adolescents’ ability to reintegrate into their communities.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings of the study underscore important program and policy adjustments to effectively address GBV vulnerability and support reintegration. Key areas include awareness of GBV, institutional support, and economic empowerment among survivors of GBV.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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