The Authorities of the University of Education Winneba have vowed to combat sexual harassment incidents on campus among students.

The menace of Sexual Harassment among University Students is at a rising level despite institutional policies designed to curb such misconduct, reports from students and staff indicate that cases of harassment still occur, sometimes with severe consequences.

The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) is actively addressing the problem, strengthening policies, and enforcing disciplinary actions against offenders.

This underscores the university’s commitment to enforcing discipline and setting a precedent to deter future offenses. Reverend Canon James Andoh Appiah, an officer for the Dean of Student Affairs, confirmed the legal action against students who engage in such behaviors.

“Two students were jailed concerning this cyber security thing last semester. And they are in jail now.”
Reverend Canon James Andoh Appiah, Dean of Student Affairs

This prosecution marks a significant step in demonstrating the university’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual misconduct, particularly in the digital space, where harassment has become increasingly prevalent.

Beyond cyber harassment, sexual violence on university campuses has led to tragic consequences. At the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), a disturbing case recently unfolded, where a male student allegedly killed a female student over suspected infidelity. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter policies and enhanced awareness campaigns to prevent gender-based violence.

At UEW, authorities remain proactive in addressing cases of harassment and abuse. However, challenges persist. This case highlights how traditional gender expectations sometimes lead to abusive behavior. Reverend Andoh Appiah shed light on such troubling trends.

“Instead of a female renting [their] apartment, a male will rent an apartment, and they still act like husband and wife. One incident happened where a male student gave something to be cooked for. Unfortunately, the lady wasn’t able to, and he beat her as if they were [married].”
Reverend Canon James Andoh Appiah, Dean of Student Affairs

According to Rev. Andoh Appiah, the university is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure perpetrators face the full extent of the law. Additionally, it is enhancing its disciplinary framework to deter potential offenders.

“All these reports, when they get to our office, we do report to the appropriate [places] where it’s supposed to go—to the police.’’
Reverend Canon James Andoh Appiah, Dean of Student Affairs

Empowering Gender Centers in Universities

One of the key strategies in combating sexual harassment is the establishment of gender centers across universities. These centers serve as safe spaces where victims can report harassment and seek support. UEW is prioritizing efforts to empower its gender centers, ensuring they play a vital role in advocacy and policy implementation.

The Executive Director, Perfector of Sentiments Foundation, Mr. Jonathan Osei Owusu highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating;

“It is important that gender centers are established in the universities. In all the five universities that we are talking about, they all have gender centers. Except that some are very robust in their dealings, others are now starting, and some don’t even have [such] departments.’’
“What we are trying to do is to get the policy in line with international best standards and also see how best we can support them to create awareness for them with the center that has been established.”
Mr. Jonathan Osei Owusu The Executive Director, Perfector of Sentiments Foundation

By institutionalizing gender centers across universities, authorities hope to create a supportive environment where students feel safe to report harassment without fear of retaliation.

Sexual harassment on university campuses remains a serious issue, but institutions like UEW are making commendable strides in tackling the problem. Through legal action, strengthened policies, and the empowerment of gender centers, the university is setting a precedent for addressing gender-based violence in higher education.

The call for stricter measures and policy reforms is a step in the right direction, ensuring that universities nationwide prioritize the safety and dignity of their students.

With ongoing efforts, there is hope that campuses will become safer spaces where harassment is no longer tolerated, and justice is swiftly served for victims.