To mark International Women’s Day 2025, College Development Network (CDN) and Colleges Scotland have published a new report exploring the approaches colleges are taking to prevent Gender-based Violence (GBV) and harassment.

The report, based on a sector-wide survey conducted in Autumn 2024, marks a significant step in understanding the current landscape of GBV prevention and response within Scotland’s colleges. Sixteen colleges participated, sharing insights on strategic approaches, preventative actions, reporting mechanisms, training initiatives, and the challenges still facing the sector.

The findings show that progress is being made, with 94% of colleges confirming senior management support for tackling GBV. However, the report also highlights that sustainable funding and resource constraints were identified by 88% of colleges as the primary barrier to furthering GBV-related progress.

The report’s authors, Dr Gail Toms, CDN Delivery and Engagement Partner, and Claire Vekic, Policy Officer at Colleges Scotland, emphasise the importance of collective action and sustained support for the sector.

Dr Gail Toms said: "My commitment to eradicating gender-based violence in Scotland's colleges is deeply personal. I have witnessed the devastating impact it has on individuals, families, and communities, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every student has a safe and supportive environment to pursue their education.

"Education is a fundamental right, and it is essential that we create a future where gender-based violence no longer stands in the way of students’ potential. By working together, we can foster a culture of respect, equality, and safety across all colleges in Scotland."

Claire Vekic added: “Global statistics show an increase in violence against women and girls, and we all have a responsibility to eradicate gender-based violence from our society.  

“The report is a milestone for the Scottish college sector and gives us a strong evidence base of the important work going on across colleges to make campuses safer for students, and where we can work collaboratively to make things better.

“Crucially, 14 out 16 colleges said that sustainability of funding and the impact on resources are the main barriers to making progress.

“Colleges Scotland is calling for dedicated funding from the Scottish Government to support the efforts of colleges to end gender-based violence.”

CDN and Colleges Scotland will continue to work collaboratively to develop sector-wide guidance, informed by the report’s findings, to empower colleges in their mission to prevent and eradicate gender-based violence.

Read the report.