The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has in its recent study, found sexual harassment to be increasingly high at Institutions of Higher Learning in the country.
The study was conducted at three institutions comprising Nelson Mandela University, North West University and Sol Plaatje University.
“Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant challenge in South Africa due to entrenched patriarchal and sexist attitudes. University communities are increasingly at risk of GBV and sexual harassment, with students being the primary victims. Various risk factors contribute to this, including individual and institutional elements. Research indicates that both staff and students experience sexual harassment, with cisheterosexual women being the primary victims,” read a statement from the commission.
The study found out that the experiences of the queer community are often overlooked, highlighting the need for greater awareness and inclusivity.
Although policies exist to address sexual harassment on campuses, the commission said some institutions lack clear guidelines and effective grievance procedures.
“However, there is evidence that universities are beginning to take action against sexual harassment. Accountability is emphasised as a critical aspect of addressing GBV and femicide in South Africa, with the Commission for playing a key role in promoting accountability,” CGE highlighted.
The study also indicated that most victims fall victim to the abuse due to socio-economic challenges.
Lecturers and SRC leaders were found to be the most common perpetrators of the crime.
The Commission sought to remind the universities of their obligation to not only provide education, but to ensure they do so in safe environments for the students.
“Institutions of higher learning, private and public, should all follow the national policies and guidelines as well as those developed and published by Higher Health.
Over and above these, each institution should develop and approve institutional policies that may cater for more but no less than the national directives.
To effectively respond to both primary and secondary prevention, institutions must adopt a victim/survivor-centred approach.
This approach does not discount the need to intervene with the respondents but centres the complainants,” read the study.
The CGE also noted that institutional responses to sexual harassment don’t follow criminal case procedures.
It recommended that all focal points or people who deal with sexual harassment at all levels must be trained on the victim/survivor first responder approaches.
Furthermore, the CGE implored on all institutions of higher learning to strengthen their sexual harassment policies and ensure that all students have adequate knowledge and a better understanding of how they work.
