Towards Effective Communication Strategies of Slum Teachers Against Sexual Abuse of Pre-Teen Girls in Mukuru Kwa Njenga Slum, Nairobi

Abstract

Sexual abuse of pre-teen girls in slum areas is reportedly rising. It is likely that a communication problem fuels the rise, yet proper communication strategies are the basis on which effective communication can build better outcomes on prevention of sexual abuse. The main objective of this research was to identify the communication strategies employed by teachers against sexual abuse of pre-teen girls in Mukuru Kwa Njenga slum of Nairobi. The research was descriptive, and collected both quantitative and qualitative data. A total 395 questionnaires were distributed, 51 pre-teen girls participated in focus group discussions and 39 teachers were interviewed for the study. Quantitative data analysis was done using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences while qualitative data was analyzed using Atlas-Ti. Findings indicated that among teachers, 65% used textbooks, 11% used videos or films or TV and 15% used charts or posters or magazines to communicate issues about sexual abuse and its prevention. Of the schools, 61% had clubs, with teachers acting as patrons 33% of the time. Only 48% of the schools networked with other schools while overall, 43% of the pre-teen girls knew what sexual abuse was. Based on these and more findings, the research recommended that teachers should structure their communication into effective communication strategies; the government needs to actualize proper policies around sexual abuse of children; other stakeholders need to scale up their efforts against sexual abuse and parents should advocate for slum schools to introduce sexual abuse prevention activities where these lack.