A new study by the Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) reveals a high prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women athletes across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. 

Drawing on data from 748 survey respondents and 18 in-depth interviews across 32 national sports federations and associations, the study finds that 62 per cent of respondents reported experiencing or knowing someone who has experienced some form of violence.

In Kenya, this number jumps to 69 per cent – up from 43 per cent in 2022, according to government data. 

Principal Investigator and Research Associate at GSMC, Dr Hebson Owilla said, “Drawing from survey data and in-depth interviews with athletes, coaches, and stakeholders, the findings speak to a very strong basis upon which the issue of sexual and gender-based violence in sports can be addressed. It is not so much about the findings as it is about what these findings suggest should be done, including supporting sport federations and associations to provide safety and security for women in sports.” 

The findings reveal that 82 per cent of female athletes are more vulnerable to SGBV than their male counterparts.  

Verbal abuse tops the list of violations, followed by emotional, physical, and sexual abuse – often committed by coaches, team officials, and even spectators.  

Professional and competitive athletes report higher levels of vulnerability, meaning longer exposure to sport is associated with a higher risk of abuse. 

The report titled “Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Sports in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania” is part of GSMC’s Advancing Gender Equality in Media and Civil Society in East Africa (AGEMC-EA) project.

It is based on data collected from athletes, coaches, team officials, and sports administrators across 20 top-performing federations, and was conducted in conjunction with the Office of the President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights. 

Dean at GSMC Professor Nancy Booker noted, “This empirical evidence constructively highlights the systemic and contextual challenges that contribute to the vulnerability of women in sports. It calls on all of us to act and save one of the most consequential sports in this region.” 

The report calls for urgent action from sports federations, governments and civil society. 

Respondents cited education and awareness, and stricter penalties as the most effective ways to reduce abuse.  Mandatory training for coaches and enforcement of safeguarding policies were also cited as critical steps forward.