The Roots of Bullying

The Roots of Bullying: Addressing Early Abuse and Its Impacts on Women and Girls

The International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School, Including Cyberbullying, observed each year on the first Thursday of November, brings global attention to the often-overlooked roots of bullying and its lifelong consequences. Established by UNESCO in 2019, this day calls on us to confront the harmful realities that school violence and bullying inflict upon young people worldwide, with women and girls frequently bearing a disproportionate burden of abuse and its long-lasting impacts.

Bullying is not merely an issue of peer aggression; it is a form of abuse that often begins in childhood and can set the stage for future violence and discrimination. The roots of bullying stem from power imbalances, social conditioning, and unchecked aggressive behaviours that, if not addressed early, can manifest in more damaging forms later in life. For young girls, the stakes are particularly high: early bullying frequently includes gendered harassment, verbal taunts, and exclusion, which can evolve into patterns of abuse that persist well into adulthood.

Research indicates that girls who experience bullying, whether in person or online, are more vulnerable to developing issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem—conditions that can limit their educational opportunities and future ambitions. With half of students aged 13 to 15 reporting violence around school grounds and one in three young people in 30 countries experiencing online bullying, the scale of the problem is immense. Yet, violence against girls often goes unreported, normalized, or dismissed, reinforcing a cycle where silence enables the abuser and stifles the victim.

At Anah Project, our work aligns with UNESCO’s mission by addressing the intersectional challenges that marginalized women and girls face. Our aim is to foster safe, inclusive spaces where young women can express themselves without fear of reprisal or violence. This commitment extends beyond physical spaces to the digital world, where cyberbullying has become increasingly pervasive, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls are disproportionately targeted online with hateful comments, harassment, and age-inappropriate content, creating environments that stifle their confidence and growth.

One of the most harmful impacts of bullying is how it shapes a person’s understanding of self-worth. For many young girls, early experiences of bullying reinforce societal messages that diminish their voices and aspirations. This negative conditioning can have enduring effects, limiting their confidence and creating vulnerabilities that, without intervention, may persist into adulthood.

UNESCO’s International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School calls upon educational communities, parents, students, and digital platforms to unite in creating environments that empower rather than diminish. To truly address bullying, we must understand it as a deeply rooted form of violence that disproportionately affects women and girls, manifesting as both overt aggression and insidious, subtle patterns of exclusion and shaming. By fostering compassionate and resilient communities, we can dismantle the abusive power dynamics that underlie bullying.

Anah Project is committed to a future where all girls and women are free from the shadow of bullying and abuse. This day is not only a reminder of the work still needed but also a call to action to advocate for systemic changes, build empathetic support networks, and provide resources that empower young women to reclaim their right to learn and grow in safety and dignity. Through awareness, education, and collaborative action, we can create a world where every girl feels seen, heard, and valued, free to navigate her path without fear of violence or intimidation.

Zulaikha Patel is a prominent South African activist who became widely recognized for her courageous stand against discriminatory school policies. Her story aligns with our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all. View her inspirational interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wh8ClNRMe4