Abstract:
Gender-based violence (GBV) against children is shaped by interconnected social, economic, cultural, familial, and institutional
conditions. Anchored in Feminist Theory, this study examined the social and contextual drivers of GBV among child survivors in
South Mugirango Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. A quantitative explanatory research design was employed. Data were collected
from 145 child survivors using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent-samples comparisons,
binary logistic regression, and exploratory factor analysis were used to examine patterns, associations, predictors, and underlying
dimensions of perceived GBV drivers. The findings showed significant gender differences in children’s perceptions of cultural
norms and community beliefs as drivers of violence (χ² = 14.26, p = .006, V = .27), poverty and household substance use (χ² = 16.84,
p = .002, V = .30), and gendered differences in harm (χ² = 18.22, p = .001, V = .32). Girls reported significantly higher perceptions
of cultural and socioeconomic drivers than boys. Logistic regression further showed that gender and socioeconomic status
significantly predicted higher perceptions of GBV drivers. Girls had higher odds of reporting high perceived severity (OR = 1.47,
95% CI [1.11, 2.08], p = .012), while children from low socioeconomic households had higher odds (OR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.15,
2.30], p = .008). Exploratory factor analysis identified structural-cultural and family-context dimensions. The study recommends
strengthening gender-responsive child protection, addressing harmful gender norms, and integrating household socioeconomic
support and community-based prevention into GBV interventions targeting children.
