NGO Urges Firm & Swift Action Against Gender-Based Violence In Schools

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In the wake of several horrific cases of violence involving students, non-governmental organisation WOMEN:girls has called for systemic action to address what it describes as a crisis in Malaysian schools — gender-based bullying and violence

The group, officially known as Pertubuhan Pembangunan Kendiri Wanita dan Gadis, said in an Instagram post on Tuesday, 14 October, that schools should be safe spaces for children and teenagers to grow, not places where they fear harm, especially from their peers.

However, recent incidents have revealed what it called a disturbing pattern among youth.

"This year alone, several high-profile cases have shocked the nation — from brutal bullying, fatal assaults, to incidents of rape and sexual violence involving students. The recurring pattern is proof that the current school environment is failing to protect its most vulnerable," WOMEN:girls said.

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A post shared by WOMEN:girls (@womengirls)

From the death of Zara Qairina in July to the alleged gang rape of a Form Three student last week, and the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old in a school toilet yesterday, the organisation noted that many of the recent victims were girls

While acknowledging that violence can happen to anyone, WOMEN:girls stressed that female students face greater risks due to cultural attitudes and systemic shortcomings, including:

1. A culture of silence – Girls are often told to keep quiet or blamed for their own victimisation.
2. Lack of safe reporting channels – Many schools lack female or trauma-informed counsellors, or anonymous reporting systems.
3. Victim-blaming policies – Some schools still enforce moral rules that punish victims, such as dress code policing or questioning their behaviour.
4. Male-dominated leadership – Safety decisions are often made without input from women or students.

The organisation is now calling for immediate and systemic reforms to prevent further harm to students, outlining five key demands:

1. Recognition of all victims of school-based violence
   – They are calling for a comprehensive review of all cases, including those that have gone unnoticed, unreported, or underrepresented in the media.
2. Firm and impartial action against perpetrators
   – Strict and unbiased disciplinary and legal measures must be taken against all perpetrators, regardless of age, gender, or status.
3. Implementation of comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education
   – Sexuality education should include bodily autonomy, consent, boundaries, and respect — essential to preventing sexual violence and exploitation.
4. Integration of emotional regulation education
   – Students should learn emotional awareness and conflict resolution as part of the national curriculum to build non-violent coping skills.
5. Clear and accessible safeguarding protocols
   – Every school must have robust, student-friendly frameworks for reporting unsafe or violent incidents, with confidentiality and protection from retaliation.

The post has since garnered over 10,000 likes in just 15 hours, with many Malaysians voicing support for stronger measures to protect students — especially girls — and urging authorities to take swift and decisive action.