Panellists call for tougher action against sexual harassment in universities

Panelists at a workshop on sexual harassment at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) have called for stricter enforcement of sexual harassment policies in universities.

They emphasised that all forms of sexual harassment, both verbal and non-verbal acts, must be dealt with with all seriousness and not be trivialised.

They stressed that seemingly harmless behaviours, such as inappropriate remarks or suggestive gestures, could constitute harassment and should not be overlooked.

The programme was organised by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate of the University of Education-Winneba (UEW) in collaboration with Perfector of Sentiments (POS) with support from the Amplify Change at UEW.

The panellists shed light on the various forms of harassment and the legal consequences attached.

The legal officer at UEW, Kwasi Ndom Dampson, underscored that sexual harassment takes both verbal and non-verbal forms and is often trivialised.

“Many people engage in harassment without realising it.

Offensive words, sexist slurs, sexually suggestive stares and even nicknames like ‘sweetest,’ ‘sexy,’ ‘baby,’ ‘my girlfriend,’ or ‘my boyfriend’ can be considered harassment and carry serious repercussions,” he explained.

He further highlighted that society tends to downplay certain behaviours, but they can have severe legal consequences when reported.

“Under Article 15 of the 1992 Constitution, anyone found guilty of sexual harassment can face imprisonment, ranging from a day to six months,” he warned.

The Director of the Office for Institutional Advancement at UEW, Prof. Lucy Effah Attom, encouraged the students to speak up when sexually harassed.

“The patriarchal system often silences women, making them feel less human. But we must move past the stigma that discourages victims from speaking out,” she stated.

She also emphasised that power dynamics play a significant role in harassment, urging continuous education on the issue.

The Convenor for Alliance for Women in Media (AWMA), Mercy Catherine Adjabeng, in a remark, noted that many cultural beliefs that treat women as property after a bride price payment must be challenged, noting that "when you question such norms, you are often criticised, but we need to push for change,” she stated.

A former Pro-Vice-Chancellor and senior lecturer at the Department of Communication Studies, UEW, Prof. Andy Ofori-Birikorang, urged that men be included in all discussions on sexual harassment, as they are often the perpetrators.

“Men must be part of the education process.

This is not just a women’s issue,” he emphasised.

The Founder and Executive Director of POS, Jonathan Osei Owusu, revealed that his organisation was spearheading educational campaigns in five universities across the country, including the University of Cape Coast, the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of Development Studies, to intensify awareness of sexual harassment.