Lusaka – Unesco has equipped 100 in service teachers in Zambia’s Chinsali District with practical skills to identify, prevent and respond to gender based violence (GBV) affecting learners.
The training was delivered through the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 in partnership with Zambia’s Ministry of Education and with support from the Government of Ireland, according to the Unesco Regional Office for Southern Africa.
The programme was rolled out through the Connect with Respect (CwR) curriculum, which Unesco said goes beyond capacity building. Teachers are becoming agents of change, helping transform schools into spaces where respect, equality and positive relationships are embedded in everyday teaching and learning. 
By challenging harmful gender norms, addressing discrimination and supporting vulnerable learners, the teachers are contributing to safer and more inclusive school environments, improved learner wellbeing and participation, reduced barriers to education, especially for girls and other at risk learners, and greater safeguarding and prevention of School Related Gender Based Violence (SRGBV).
Unesco said creating safe, inclusive and equitable learning environments starts with empowered educators.
