They say, “It takes two to tango.” In the case of the third-grade biology textbook, it must have always taken three. The misleading content that indecent clothing leads to rape has sparked a public outcry.
While the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has apologized for this content, there are still more legitimate concerns about how this textbook found its way into our Kenyan classrooms.
The inclusion in the Grade 3 Biology textbook by East African Educational Publishers of content suggesting that certain types of clothing provoke rape is deeply worrying and indefensible. Such a message is not only a blatant violation of ethical standards in education, but also a direct attack on the dignity and rights of women and girls. It perpetuates dangerous myths that fuel gender-based violence and victim blaming, both of which are serious societal problems that need to be eradicated, not reinforced.
First of all, it is important to stress that rape is a violent crime that is based on the perpetrator’s need for power and control, and is not a reaction to the victim’s clothing or behavior. The idea that someone might “deserve” to be raped because of their clothing is a blatant form of victim blaming. This way of thinking absolves the perpetrator of responsibility and puts the onus on women to avoid assault by dressing in a certain way, which is both unfair and harmful.
Teaching materials play a crucial role in shaping young minds and influencing societal attitudes. Therefore, the content of textbooks should promote values such as respect, equality and human dignity. The fact that such a regressive and harmful idea has been included in a teaching resource is deeply disturbing. The KICD’s apology is a case of “too late, too little”. It indicates a failure of publishers and the education system to protect students from harmful ideologies and to promote a culture of respect and equality.
By promoting the idea that women dressed “indecently” provoke rape, the textbook not only undermines the rights of women and girls, but also promotes a toxic culture that excuses violence against them. This is particularly dangerous in a society where gender-based violence is already a significant problem. Rather than challenging the misogyny and patriarchal attitudes that contribute to this violence, the textbook reinforces them and could normalize such views among impressionable students.
It is equally disturbing that the publishers’ association – the doomed Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) – is silent on this potentially grave development. We expect the KPA to take a stand on this matter and condemn the position of one of its unscrupulous publishers, unless they too have a thick beam in their eyes because “silence is worse than consent”.
Furthermore, the idea of ”indecent clothing” is highly subjective and culturally charged. What is considered offensive in one context may be perfectly acceptable in another. By linking this subjective concept to the justification of rape, the textbook not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes, but also contributes to a culture of control and oppression of women’s bodies and choices. This is contrary to the principles of equality and human rights that should be promoted in education.
The impact of such content on students, particularly young women, cannot be underestimated. It sends a dangerous message that their worth and safety depend on conforming to arbitrary and patriarchal dress standards. It also risks instilling in young men the idea that violence against women can be justified based on their choice of clothing, which is a dangerous and destructive belief.
Education authorities in East Africa must urgently address this issue. Content must be promptly reviewed and revised to remove harmful and misleading information. In addition, there should be a broader discussion on the importance of promoting gender equality and respect for human rights in teaching materials. Textbooks should be empowerment tools and teach students to respect the rights of others and stand against violence in all its forms.
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati (He teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North).
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