UG Hosts Sexual Harassment Sensitisation Workshop

Participants in a group photograph after the workshop

 

The POS Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Ghana’s Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Office of the Women’s Commission in Legon, has organised a sensitisation workshop for first-year students to educate participants about the university’s sexual harassment policy.

Themed, “Safe Spaces; Preventing Sexual Harassment on Campus”, the sensitisation workshop which took place at the University of Ghana’s SRC Union Building, aims at preventing sexual harassment by promoting awareness, support, and accountability, to create a respectful and inclusive learning environment.

Senior Assistant Registrar, Mabel Ama Pinkrah Sowatey, stated that the University of Ghana developed its Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy in 2010.

Madam Sowatey, who doubles as the Secretary of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee, University of Ghana, emphasised that the policy aims to create an environment that promotes sensitivity and awareness about sexual harassment. The Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee, established in 2011, oversees the implementation of the policy and reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor.

According to her, the policy defines sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

She further explained that, the policy is reviewed periodically, and the latest review led to the addition of a second aspect, which addresses situations where harassment may not be immediately apparent, such as in romantic relationships that turn sour.

“The university encourages all members of the community to familiarise themselves with the policy, which can be downloaded from the university’s website,” she indicated.

Highlighting some examples of sexual harassment and misconduct, she said it include; unsolicited advances or propositions of a sexual nature, unwanted physical contact or gestures, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

“At the University of Ghana, most reports of sexual harassment come from students, with over 80% of reports involving student-on-student harassment. It’s essential to respect someone’s boundaries and understand that ‘No means No’,” she emphasised.

In her presentation, she reiterated some examples of misconduct including; assault, intimidation, abuse, rape, adding that these incidents can be perpetuated by individuals in positions of authority, such as staff members, particularly when there is a power imbalance.

“The University of Ghana has established a 14-member committee, known as the United Sexual Harassment Committee, to address sexual harassment cases. The committee comprises representatives from various institutions, including students, both graduate and undergraduate, the Student Representative Council, and other key stakeholders,” she explained.

The Executive Director of POS Foundation, Mr. Jonathan Osei Owusu, disclosed that sexual harassment on university campuses has led to devastating consequences.

According to him, the POS Foundation, with funding from Amplify Change, is implementing this initiative across five universities, thus, workshops have been completed at the University of Cape Coast, Winneba and recently at Legon. Hence, the next stops will be the University for Development Studies (UDS) campus in Tamale, followed by a final event at the Technical University.

“It’s crucial that we raise awareness about sexual harassment among students, so they understand what it is and can avoid becoming victims or perpetrators. This is a serious issue that deserves attention and discussion. By educating students, we can empower them to recognise and prevent sexual harassment,” he said.

He noted that, universities take sexual harassment seriously, therefore, taking disciplinary action against lecturers and students found guilty, to create a safe environment, allowing students to excel and grow without fear of harassment.

By Janet Odei Amponsah

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