They say “It takes two to tango.” For the case of Certificate Biology Form 3 text book, it must have taken three to tango. The misleading content about indecent dressing leading to rape has caused a public outcry.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) may have offered an apology about this content but still there are more valid concerns about how this course book found its way into our Kenyan classrooms.
The inclusion of content in the Form 3 Certificate Biology textbook by East African Educational Publishers that suggests dressing in a particular way invites rape is deeply concerning and indefensible. Such a message is not only a gross 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 issues that need to be eradicated, not reinforced.
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that rape is a violent crime, rooted in a perpetrator’s desire for power and control, rather than being a response to a victim’s clothing or behaviour. The idea that someone could “deserve” to be raped because of what they are wearing is a blatant form of victim-blaming. This line of thinking absolves the perpetrator of responsibility and places the onus on women to avoid assault by dressing a certain way, which is both unjust and harmful.
Educational materials play a crucial role in shaping young minds and influencing societal attitudes. Therefore, the content in textbooks should promote values of respect, equality, and human dignity. The fact that such a regressive and harmful idea was included in an educational resource is deeply troubling. The apology by KICD is a case of too late too little. It suggests a failure on the part of the publishers and the educational system to protect students from harmful ideologies and to promote a culture of respect and equality.
In advancing the notion that women who are “indecently” dressed invite rape, the textbook not only undermines the rights of women and girls but also perpetuates a toxic culture that excuses violence against them. This is particularly dangerous in a society where gender-based violence is already a significant problem. Instead of challenging the misogyny and patriarchal attitudes that contribute to this violence, the textbook reinforces them, potentially normalizing such views among impressionable students.
It is equally worrying when the publishers own association – the moribund Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) – choose to remain silent on this potentially grievous development. We expect that KPA would take a position on this matter by condemning the viewpoint being advanced by one of their rogue publishers unless they too have a big log in their eyes, as ‘silence is worse than approval.’
Moreover, the idea of “indecent dressing” is highly subjective and culturally loaded. What is considered indecent in one context might be perfectly acceptable in another. By tying 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 over women’s bodies and choices. This is antithetical to the principles of equality and human rights that education should promote.
The impact of such content on students, especially young women, cannot be understated. It sends a dangerous message that their worth and safety are contingent upon their adherence to arbitrary and patriarchal standards of dress. It also risks instilling in young men the idea that violence against women can be justified based on their clothing choices, which is a dangerous and destructive belief.
There is an urgent need for the educational authorities in East Africa to address this issue. The content must be immediately reviewed and revised to remove any harmful and misleading information. Furthermore, there should be a broader conversation about the importance of promoting gender equality and respect for human rights in educational materials. Textbooks should be tools for empowerment, teaching students to respect one another’s rights and to stand against violence in all its forms.
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati ( He teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North).
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