Exploring drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in Kicukiro, Rwanda
IntroductionSexual violence against adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is a pervasive issue globally, with particularly high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among AGYW in Kicukiro, Rwanda.MethodsA descriptive explor...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Reproductive Health |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frph.2025.1420947/full |
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| author | Wongani Patricia Kawonga Sam M. Livingstone Augustine Ndaimani Jean Pierre Sibomana Tsion Yohannes Waka Maxwell Mhlanga Andrew Mclellan |
| author_facet | Wongani Patricia Kawonga Sam M. Livingstone Augustine Ndaimani Jean Pierre Sibomana Tsion Yohannes Waka Maxwell Mhlanga Andrew Mclellan |
| author_sort | Wongani Patricia Kawonga |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionSexual violence against adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is a pervasive issue globally, with particularly high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among AGYW in Kicukiro, Rwanda.MethodsA descriptive exploratory design guided by the socioecological model and feminist standpoint theory was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 AGYW participating in a mentorship program and 5 male community members. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key drivers and potential prevention strategies.ResultsFour themes emerged: (1) empowering mentorship programs, (2) tiered drivers of sexual violence, (3) optimizing violence-mitigating resources, and (4) interference with judicial processes. Key drivers of sexual violence included substance use, transactional sexual relationships, inadequate family protection, entrenched gender stereotypes, and limited legal literacy.ConclusionFindings underscore the need for multifaceted interventions that address systemic and cultural barriers, strengthen legal frameworks, and expand community-based programs. Addressing sexual violence requires a holistic approach, integrating empowerment initiatives, robust community engagement, and legal reforms to create safer environments for AGYW. The mentorship program's success suggests scalability across other settings. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a09bc215cff04b259c29bfcc708ba301 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-3153 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Reproductive Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-a09bc215cff04b259c29bfcc708ba3012025-01-29T06:45:38ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Reproductive Health2673-31532025-01-01710.3389/frph.2025.14209471420947Exploring drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in Kicukiro, RwandaWongani Patricia Kawonga0Sam M. Livingstone1Augustine Ndaimani2Jean Pierre Sibomana3Tsion Yohannes Waka4Maxwell Mhlanga5Andrew Mclellan6Center for Gender Equity, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, RwandaCenter for Gender Equity, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, RwandaCenter for Nursing and Midwifery, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, RwandaAdministration, Young Women’s ChristianAssociation of Rwanda, Kigali, RwandaCenter for Gender Equity, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, RwandaCenter for Gender Equity, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, RwandaFaculty of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaIntroductionSexual violence against adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is a pervasive issue globally, with particularly high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among AGYW in Kicukiro, Rwanda.MethodsA descriptive exploratory design guided by the socioecological model and feminist standpoint theory was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 AGYW participating in a mentorship program and 5 male community members. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key drivers and potential prevention strategies.ResultsFour themes emerged: (1) empowering mentorship programs, (2) tiered drivers of sexual violence, (3) optimizing violence-mitigating resources, and (4) interference with judicial processes. Key drivers of sexual violence included substance use, transactional sexual relationships, inadequate family protection, entrenched gender stereotypes, and limited legal literacy.ConclusionFindings underscore the need for multifaceted interventions that address systemic and cultural barriers, strengthen legal frameworks, and expand community-based programs. Addressing sexual violence requires a holistic approach, integrating empowerment initiatives, robust community engagement, and legal reforms to create safer environments for AGYW. The mentorship program's success suggests scalability across other settings.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frph.2025.1420947/fulladolescent girls and young women (AGYW)driversKicukiroprevention strategiesRwandasexual violence |
| spellingShingle | Wongani Patricia Kawonga Sam M. Livingstone Augustine Ndaimani Jean Pierre Sibomana Tsion Yohannes Waka Maxwell Mhlanga Andrew Mclellan Exploring drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in Kicukiro, Rwanda Frontiers in Reproductive Health adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) drivers Kicukiro prevention strategies Rwanda sexual violence |
| title | Exploring drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in Kicukiro, Rwanda |
| title_full | Exploring drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in Kicukiro, Rwanda |
| title_fullStr | Exploring drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in Kicukiro, Rwanda |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in Kicukiro, Rwanda |
| title_short | Exploring drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in Kicukiro, Rwanda |
| title_sort | exploring drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in kicukiro rwanda |
| topic | adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) drivers Kicukiro prevention strategies Rwanda sexual violence |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frph.2025.1420947/full |
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