GPE is hosting a blog series on Tech4Ed (technology for education) that explores the critical elements needed for the digital transformation of education systems. In this blog, GPE youth leader from Indonesia Anna Bella Sabilah shares her work on integrating technology into the classroom to reduce gender-based violence.

This year marks a new chapter in my advocacy journey—one that brings together my passion for education, gender equality and technology.

As a youth leader working with FORUMPUAN—a local civil society organization committed to gender and inclusivity issues across sectors, especially in education and climate—and the Coalition of Young People for Education in Indonesia, I’ve seen firsthand how gender-based violence continues to create unsafe learning environments for many students, especially girls. But technology can make a difference.

In the Bogor Regency where I live, the lack of integrated systems to report and respond to violence in schools has left many children without support. These students also face language and cultural barriers when reporting violence and requesting assistance.

That’s why I’m working to integrate technology into the classroom—not just to improve learning, but to protect students.

With youth-led networks, civil society partners and digital innovation, we’re building an online private communication system that makes it easier for students to report violence and get the help they need.

The need for collaboration to build digital solutions

Through my work with FORUMPUAN, I have been in intense communication with several representatives of high school students in Bogor Regency.

We’re building our private communication system so that students and their parents can report or request assistance if violence does occur in schools, in line with Indonesia’s privacy laws.

This platform will support students through OSIS ("Organisasi Siswa Intra Sekolah,” an intra-school organization for middle and high schools) and TPPK (“Tim Pencegahan dan Penanganan Kekerasan”)—a violence prevention and response team based in schools across Indonesia that will work in coordination with the task force at the provincial level—as well as engage parents, local civil society organizations, youth communities and local government.

This private communication system will also be directly connected to the Cangkang Kecil Safe House, a protection center for survivors of violence in schools and campuses and the first safe house serving South Tangerang City, Tangerang City and Bogor Regency.

In addition to handling complaints, the system will continue to evolve to better meet the needs of students based on responses to a series of short surveys distributed to schools as well as supervisors and assistants of partner organizations (civil society and government) supporting the development and implementation of the platform.

This survey data will be used to analyze potential violence that may not have been captured during TPPK team field visits and will also be used as monitoring and evaluation material by the Cangkang Kecil team.

Uncovering the reality of gender-based violence in education

We know that school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) includes physical, psychological and sexual violence. And each of these forms affects girls and boys in different ways.

This is why I focus on preventing and responding to gender-based violence through mentoring and handling cases of sexual violence in one of the high schools in Bogor Regency in addition to expanding the coalition community in Indonesia to establish local youth groups across regions.

I am also an advisory ally for fellow students facing violence in schools at one of the state universities in South Tangerang City.

In 2024 I, along with representatives from public schools and boarding schools, had the opportunity to attend a consultation about gender-based violence in schools held by UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) and Arigatou International, a non-profit organization dedicated to child well-being.

Stories of gender-based violence in schools were presented in deeply relatable ways, often showing how such violence begins with what is brushed off as a “joke,” but later escalates. It’s an example of how harmful attitudes where men and women aren’t seen as having equal rights and levels of violence are accepted can take root in schools.

This compromises students’ well-being, their physical and emotional health and harms their cognitive and emotional development.

Hearing stories from students about how gender-based violence begins and escalates in school reinforced for me the urgent need for accessible, responsive and student-centered support systems.

Technology can transform classrooms into havens of learning and safety

In a world where technology is rapidly transforming every sector, it is essential education doesn’t get left behind, especially when it comes to student safety and well-being.

It’s hoped that through our private communication system and the complaint handling process that gender-based violence in schools can be addressed better and students will be more protected.

Our efforts in Indonesia aim to show that digital tools can do more than just enhance learning outcomes. They can be powerful instruments for justice, protection and equity.

By centering youth voices, building inclusive networks and leveraging technology with empathy and intention, we’re reimagining classrooms as not just places of learning, but spaces of safety and dignity for every student.

The journey is still ongoing, but with collective action and continued support, we can build an education system where no child has to choose between learning and feeling safe.

Learn more about GPE youth leaders.