UCC students educated on sexual harassment and reporting

The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy, and Documentation (CEGRAD) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in collaboration with Perfector of Sentiments (POS), has organised a sensitization programme to educate students on sexual harassment.

The sensitization will also empower the students on the importance of boldly reporting such incidents.

The event that was sponsored by Amplify Change, an NGO, also featured a roundtable panel where Ms. Mercy Catherine Adjabeng, a communication specialist and gender advocate, highlighted the urgent need for students to report cases of sexual harassment without fear.

She emphasised that society often condoned such behaviour, and the stigma associated with it made it difficult for sufferers to speak out, fearing it would bring disgrace to the victim and their families.

However, that mind-set must change, as “everyone has control over their own body, and so no one should feel powerless against harassment,” she stated.

Ms. Adjabeng explained that many victims hesitate to report due to concerns about exposing themselves or disappointing their families.

She encouraged students to prioritise their well-being, as reporting sexual harassment would not only help protect their mental health, but also ensure a safer learning environment for all.

Adding to the discussion, Professor Kojo Okyere, Head of Department of Religion and Human Values at UCC, pointed out that some individuals misused religious teachings to justify or downplay sexual harassment.

He urged students to challenge such misinterpretations and stand firm against any form of abuse.

Mr Vanboven Swanzy Essien, a legal practitioner, highlighted that sexual harassment manifested in both verbal and non-verbal forms.

He was concerned that society often downplayed behaviours that could have severe consequences on victims and perpetrators alike.

“Many of our everyday actions are actually forms of sexual harassment, whether verbal or non-verbal.

“Wolf-whistling, sexist slurs, misogynistic and transphobic remarks are all unacceptable and can land individuals in serious trouble,” he explained.

Mr Essien also stressed that men, too, experienced sexual harassment but were often reluctant to report due to societal discrimination, and encouraged them to come forward to report and never remain silent.

He cautioned against retaliation, explaining that if a perpetrator attempted to intimidate or harm a victim after they reported harassment, the victim had the right to report the retaliation as well.

Professor Eunice Fay Amissah, Director of CEGRAD, urged students to report any form of harassment to them, assuring them of full institutional support.

She reaffirmed the university’s strict policy against inappropriate relationships between staff and students, stating that any reports of misconduct would be taken seriously.

“Our committee is ready to support all students, so no one should feel alone or afraid to report any form of victimization,” she reassured.

Mr Jonathan Osei Owusu, Founder and Executive Director of POS Foundation, shared some achievements of his organisation, which had been actively involved in human rights and gender advocacy, particularly in the area of criminal justice.

He revealed that the Foundation was launching educational campaigns across the five public universities in Ghana; UCC, the University of Ghana, KNUST, the University of Education, Winneba, and UDS to further raise awareness on sexual harassment.

He emphasised the need for rigorous sensitisation for many people to recognise when being harassed.

“Many people do not realise when they are experiencing harassment, that is why we have taken it upon ourselves to educate students.

“Your body belongs to you, and no one has the right to violate it,” he indicated, adding that any unsolicited, unwarranted, or unwelcome act should be reported to ensure perpetrators faced the consequences of their actions.

Source: GNA