The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has highlighted a disturbing rise in threats, intimidation, and sexual harassment against female students in Ethiopia. According to their latest report, perpetrators include both teachers and fellow students. The report specifically points to the Amhara and Oromia regions, where ongoing conflicts have exacerbated the vulnerability of female students.
The EHRC’s findings reveal that many schools in these regions impose punitive measures that cause both physical and psychological harm to students. The escalation of conflict between armed groups and government forces has further endangered students, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
In addition to the hostile environments, the commission noted overcrowded classrooms, a lack of school clinics, and shortages of health professionals as critical issues affecting the safety and well-being of female students. The absence of proper child protection and anti-discrimination policies also adds to the severity of the situation. Further compounding these issues are the presence of substances like khat and Shisha near some schools, along with a lack of child-friendly grievance mechanisms to address the students’ concerns.
A separate UNICEF report has shed light on the broader educational crisis, revealing that over nine million children are out of school in Ethiopia due to conflict, displacement, and natural disasters. The highest numbers of out-of-school children are in the Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray regions, with more than 6,000 schools closed and over 10,000 damaged or destroyed.
