Title: Perceptions of undergraduate students on the prevalence and factors that influence gender-based violence at the University of Botswana

Authors: Billy M. Tsima; Wetsho Maphorisa; Ndapiwa Lebalang; Tshegofatso Mabaka

Addresses: University of Botswana, 4775 Notwane Road, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana ' University of Botswana, 4775 Notwane Road, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana ' University of Botswana, 4775 Notwane Road, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana ' University of Botswana, 4775 Notwane Road, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract: The prevalence and factors influencing GBV in institutions of higher education in Botswana is relatively unknown. We aimed to characterise the perceptions of University of Botswana (UB) students regarding the prevalence and factors that influence GBV at the institution. We conducted a cross-sectional study among UB undergraduate students using a self-administered questionnaire to establish their perceptions on factors that influence GBV among the university students and capture their demographic characteristics as well as their experience with GBV. A total of 196 questionnaires were used for the analysis and the majority (87.8%) of the respondents believe that GBV exists at UB and nearly half (46.4%) consider GBV to be of average prevalence. Low economic status had the highest average agreement score (3.8/5). Lobola or bride price also received a relatively high endorsement (3.1/5). Efforts need to aim to develop and implement strategies for reducing the burden of GBV.

Keywords: gender-based violence; GBV; university; perceptions; Botswana.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSDS.2017.085603

International Journal of Gender Studies in Developing Societies, 2017 Vol.2 No.1, pp.33 - 42

Received: 29 Dec 2016
Accepted: 31 Dec 2016
Published online: 01 Aug 2017 *

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