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Young female teachers or those on teaching practice are more at risk of being sexually molested by male school principals and education officials, our investigations reveal. Incidences of school heads and education officers baiting female teacher with promises of promotions or transfers to preferred schools in exchange for sex are common.
Failure to comply leads to intimidation, transfer to remote places and disciplinary action on trumped up charges.
Eunice Nanjala (not her real name, to protect her identity), an English teacher in Western Kenya says a new principal at her school became hostile and would often embarrass her in meetings when she turned down his advances.
In a school in Kangemi, when a female teacher rejected her boss’ advances, he fabricated a story that she was sleeping with male students. The teacher had just been posted to the school after three years of tarmacking and the job meant everything to her. Dejected, she gave in and ended up pregnant with a child he does not care for.
Female teachers, especially those posted in remote and rural areas, are also often pestered by area local administration, parents, local politicians, and even boda boda operators.
Dr Wilson Otenga, a sociologist says, “Often, there is not really much of an option for young female teachers to choose from in their immediate surrounding.”
