Dialogue on Ending Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Universities in Zimbabwe

DIALOGUE ON ENDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ABUSE IN UNIVERSITIES IN ZIMBABWE

DIALOGUE ON ENDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT & ABUSE IN UNIVERSITIES IN ZIMBABWE

UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE 24 MAY 2019 Contents 1. Introduc�on...... 3 2. A Brief Background...... 3 3. Dialogue Delegate...... 3 4. Problem Diagnosis...... 4 5. Dialogue Synopisis...... 6 5.1) Welcome Remarks...... 6 5.2) Campus Voices...... 6 5.3) Ending Sex for Grades...... 7 5.4) State of Sexual Harassment in Colleges...... 7 5.5) Panel Discussion: A solu�on Centred Delibera�on...... 9 5.6) Other Cri�cal Reﬂec�ons from the Delegates...... 10 5.7) Commitment to End Sexual Harassment...... 10 6. Proposed Solu�ons to End Sexual Harassment in Universi�es...... 11 7. Conclusion...... 12 DIALOGUE ON ENDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT Page: 3 & ABUSE IN UNIVERSITIES IN ZIMBABWE

1) Introduc�on

On the 24th of May 2019, Students and Youth Working on Reproduc�ve Health Ac�on Team (SAYWHAT), in partnership with Katswe Sisterhood and with support from the Swedish Embassy, hosted a solu�on focused dialogue with key stakeholders in the Higher and Ter�ary Educa�on Sector to ﬁnd sustainable solu�ons to end sexual harassment and abuse in universi�es in Zimbabwe. The key delibera�ons and agreed roadmap to end the challenge is captured in this outcome document.

2) Sexual Harassment in Universi�es and the Dialogue: A Brief Background

Over the past 10 years, SAYWHAT has been working with students, partners in the Sexual and Reproduc�ve Health (SRH) sector and related government structures to address various SRH challenges aﬀec�ng students in ter�ary ins�tu�ons. Using par�cipatory methodologies in which the students themselves take overall responsibility to come up with innova�ve and youth centred interven�ons targe�ng self, the organisa�on has yielded posi�ve results that have transformed the SRH landscape in colleges in Zimbabwe, with impact now spreading to the region. Such programs aimed at achieving outcomes such as improved service uptake by young people, increased risk percep�on among students, and promo�ng responsible sexual behaviour among students.

Despite the above triumphs, Sexual Harassment remains a cri�cal challenge affec�ng students. Against the background of a Zimbabwean culture that generally find it uncomfortable to discuss ma�ers of sexuality, sexual harassment has remained an almost hidden secret, albeit the reality of it being challenge that has made many students (mostly female students) vulnerable to SRH challenges. These include unplanned pregnancies, infec�on, drop outs, and serious psychological challenges to the survivor. The society, students and college authori�es included, find it a taboo to openly discuss, informed the decision by SAYWHAT to create a public sphere in which stakeholders can come together to find solu�ons to end the problem. The dialogue was organised with the principle objec�ve of coming up with a collec�ve roadmap, informed by the reali�es of students, through which stakeholders can work together to end sexual harassment in colleges.

3) Dialogue Delega�on

The dialogue was a�ended by various stakeholders to allow diverse knowledge, experiences and exper�se to feed into the process for be�er solu�ons to end the challenge. Some of these stakeholders include the following

Stakeholder Representa�ve Students Student representa�ves from Universi�es in Zimbabwe Civil Society Organisa�ons

University Authori�es Deans for Students from 13 Universi�es in Zimbabwe (University of Zimbabwe, Great Zimbabwe University, Bindura University of Science Educa�on, Lupane State University, Na�onal University of Science and Technology, Midlands State University, Africa University, Gwanda State University, Harare Ins�tute of Technology, Zimbabwe Ezekiel Gu� University, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Womens University in Africa, Marondera State University of Agricultural Science and Catholic University). The United Na�ons Media There were Representa�ves of the Because I Am a Man Campaign Ambassadors represented by Conrad Mwanawashe and Nigel Sirnige

• A culture of Tolerance for SH Offenders in Colleges: The above quote represents clear evidence that there is generally a culture of tolerance for sexual harassment offenders in the colleges. Delegates noted that offenders some�mes protect one another instead of contribu�ng to the end of the vice by promo�ng accountability by the offenders

• Limited Youth Friendly Service Provision in College Clinics: Students and other stakeholders expressed concern over lack of youth friendly service provision in the colleges. Because of lack of youth friendliness, the college clinic, which should also be part of the referral places for harassed students to get help, is manned by nurses with limited apprecia�on of the reali�es of students in rela�on to sexual harassment. That most college clinics are only opened during school hours, was also raised as a major concern

• Limited Knowledge on Sexual Harassment among Staﬀ: Notably, the University of Zimbabwe Dean of Students highlighted that there is no professional development among most university staﬀ. He noted that most lecturers these days are young, and absorbed into the university academic structure for their excellent academic results, but with no social skills to cope with the demands of being a lecturer.

• Lack of Adequate Accommoda�on Facili�es for Students: Limited accommoda�on space was iden�ﬁed as a root cause to many challenges facing students, including those that are not related to sexual harassment. Students who stay oﬀ campus are less protected as most universi�es are not able to create safety nets for these students DIALOGUE ON ENDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT Page: 4 & ABUSE IN UNIVERSITIES IN ZIMBABWE

4) Problem Diagnosis: What are the Root Causes of Sexual Harassment in Universi�es in Zimbabwe?

Throughout the dialogue sessions, delegates managed to pick out what can be agreeably concluded to be among the root causes of sexual harassment in ter�ary ins�tu�ons. Delegates also agreed that most of the causes, if poli�cal will, is there, are challenges that can be addressed. Some of the issues brought up include the following

Related to Students

Limited Knowledge on Policies Available: In line with government recommenda�ons, delegates agreed that most colleges now have sexual harassment policies to ensure students are protected. However, there are no deliberate eﬀorts to make sure those policies and the provisions are known by students. Furthermore, the absence of laws and cons�tu�onal provisions on sexual harassment weaken the implementa�on of sexual harassment policies with par�cular reference with the legal route of resolving sexual harassment cases. Limited Knowledge on Repor�ng System: Because there is limited knowledge on the policies available and their provisions, students who face sexual harassment are not aware of what steps they can take to make the perpetrators accountable and for them to get the survivor help needed A culture of Silence: Students at the mee�ng highlighted that generally, sexual harassment is treated like a taboo in the colleges. This is mostly for fear of retalia�on by the perpetrators, and fear of further harassment and cri�cism for repor�ng the case. Students further expressed concern that some�mes the survivor will end up carrying the burden of blame by the public jury

Related to Staﬀ and Administra�on

“Why is it that even known sexual harassment oﬀenders are s�ll employed by the universi�es? We know them, and instead of being held accountable for their oﬀenses, they have been rewarded with promo�ons to higher posi�ons within the university structure,” Musasa Project Director Ne�y Musanhu

• A culture of Tolerance for SH Offenders in Colleges: The above quote represents clear evidence that there is 5) Dialogue Synopsis. Key Highlights from Sessions generally a culture of tolerance for sexual harassment offenders in the colleges. Delegates noted that offenders some�mes protect one another instead of contribu�ng to the end of the vice by promo�ng accountability by 5.1) Welcome Remarks the offenders In his welcome remarks, Dean of Students at the University of Zimbabwe, Dean Madambi noted that sexual • Limited Youth Friendly Service Provision in College Clinics: Students and other stakeholders expressed harassment become a topical issue and must be given the deserving a�en�on by all stakeholders. He noted concern over lack of youth friendly service provision in the colleges. Because of lack of youth friendliness, the that it is the duty of the college to make sure the college environment is a safe zone for all students. As such, college clinic, which should also be part of the referral places for harassed students to get help, is manned by University of Zimbabwe, and indeed all colleges must have zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment. He nurses with limited apprecia�on of the reali�es of students in rela�on to sexual harassment. That most college further noted that as a university, they have hosted various stakeholders who are ready to engage the clinics are only opened during school hours, was also raised as a major concern university on sexual harassment, including the Gender Commission, Female Students Network, among others. He noted that this reflects the importance of the ma�er and concluded by expressing his gra�tude for the • Limited Knowledge on Sexual Harassment among Staff: Notably, the University of Zimbabwe Dean of stakeholders who organised the dialogue where stakeholders can have a space to discuss issues and find Students highlighted that there is no professional development among most university staff. He noted that solu�ons. most lecturers these days are young, and absorbed into the university academic structure for their excellent academic results, but with no social skills to cope with the demands of being a lecturer. 5.2) Campus Voices: Issues from Students on Sexual Harassment

• Lack of Adequate Accommoda�on Facili�es for Students: Limited accommoda�on space was iden�ﬁed as a “Yes, we are told the policies are there, but only a few of the students know about those policies, let alone root cause to many challenges facing students, including those that are not related to sexual harassment. knowing what is provided in those policies. We need to be involved as students at all levels, from the policy Students who stay oﬀ campus are less protected as most universi�es are not able to create safety nets for formula�on to its implementa�on and evalua�on,” female student from Midlands State University these students ‘Most male students are not aware of what cons�tute sexual harassment” Thembani Khumalo from University of Zimbabwe

Through a theatre drama, and sharing of experiences by two students, university students presented to the delegates challenges being faced by students and a call to action by the stakeholders. The major issues that emanated from their presentations were as follows:

• The Need to Raise Awareness among Students: The students noted that empowering them with informa�on is cri�cal as strategic way of preven�ng students from being harassed. This awareness raising can be about what cons�tutes sexual harassment, and the policies available to protect them within the university system • The Need to Consider Male Students: A male student from the campaign movement dubbed Mugota challenged the universi�es and the stakeholders not to leave behind the male students in the interven�ons DIALOGUE ON ENDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT Page: 7 & ABUSE IN UNIVERSITIES IN ZIMBABWE

to end sexual harassment. He noted that male students are equally vulnerable, and because of nega�ve masculinity male students find it hard to report when they face sexual harassment. • The Need for Students Involvement in Policy Making: Students expressed concern that they are rarely fully involved in the process of policy making at universi�es adding that this was also part of the reason why they are not aware of the sexual harassment related policies available in their colleges and that contributes in perpetua�on of the vice • The Need for Community Involvement: Students noted that due to accommoda�on challenges, very few students were staying in college residen�al premises. Most of them stay in neighbouring places surrounding the universi�es. As such, there is need for the college to involve the surrounding community in any efforts that involve student’s affairs. Raising awareness to the landlords in the surrounding areas was also encouraged

5.3) Ending Sex for Grades. Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator

The UN Resident Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Mr Bishow Parajuli highlighted that sexual harassment was regarded as one of the key issues that the UN takes so seriously adding that gender and ending all forms of gender based violence was part of the key priori�es within the Sustainable Development Goals. He noted the urgency to drive towards addressing this challenge and added that the UN actually had various programs to address this problem including working with the EU to have a comprehensive agenda on sexual harassment. Mr Parajuli noted that as the UN, they are ready to work with the stakeholders on policy related engagements, including the judiciary, the media, members of parliament and the university authori�es. Most importantly, he highlighted that there was need to develop a new culture and put systems in place that ensure that perpetrators of sexual harassment would not go scot free a�er commi�ng the crimes. Mr Parajuli concluded by pu�ng 6 key recommenda�ons he proposed to end sexual harassment against students. These are

1. Having Policies in Place: Policies would provide guidance for preven�on and management of sexual harassment in colleges Reference to policies – which reflect the real acts 2. Educa�ng the Students and Lecturers: To raise awareness and improve their awareness on what cons�tute sexual harassment and knowledge of where to report 3. Clear guidelines: These guidelines should be communicated to staff and students to educate them on what is right and what is wrong as far as sexual harassment is concerned 4. Innova�on: Including having online systems servicing 24 hours, having help lines and other innova�ve approaches to help survivors and foster preven�on 5. Strong disciplinary measures: Including dismissal of offenders. Such must be made public and everyone must know outcomes of such acts. 6. Empowerment of vic�ms: Support vic�ms to share their stories and become agents of change to ensure that we prevent other cases from occurring other than concentra�ng only on cure.

5.4) State of Sexual Harassment in Colleges: Highlights from Research

Dr Patricia Muchawira of UNESCO presented a summary of the research ﬁndings from a study they commissioned to examine sexual harassment in ter�ary ins�tu�ons. She noted that while ter�ary ins�tu�ons have primary academic roles such as Transmi�ng the accumulated body of global knowledge relevant to the development of society through teaching, crea�ng new knowledge and extending boundaries of knowledge through research and providing advisory, extension and consultancy services on issues that are relevant to the socio-economic advancement of society, Ins�tu�ons of higher learning are also sites for interven�ons and that needs to always be priori�sed. DIALOGUE ON ENDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT Page: 8 & ABUSE IN UNIVERSITIES IN ZIMBABWE

In her presentation, she also noted that prioritising institutions of higher education is important for the following reasons: • Africa has the fastest increase in ter�ary enrolment in the world • Cater for sexually-ac�ve young people, mostly in the 18-30 year old category. Global data shows that more than a third of all people living with HIV are under the age of 25. • Heterogeneous group of students; from diverse socio economic status; including students living with HIV • ‘Real’ independence from parents, guardians, rela�ves, and teachers for the ﬁrst �me experienced by students can make them vulnerable to SRH challenges and added that • We can’t focus only on secondary to high school, only to have them become vulnerable to HIV, sexual abuse and pregnancy right a�er that – so important to focus on this cri�cal transi�on period beyond secondary and the world of work

Presen�ng on the study results, Mrs Muchawira noted that sexual harassment is a serious challenge and causes the following challenges to the survivors Eﬀects of Sexual Harassment

• Have trouble studying or paying a�en�on • Show poor academic performance • Par�cipate less, avoid certain places on and around campus • Be absent from class, study groups or tutorials • Think about dropping out or actually dropping out • Be less willing to seek health services including SRH services • Have low self esteem • Develop an unhealthy understanding of rela�onships • Be predisposed to sexual violence and rape • Develop an unhealthy understanding of one’s body • Perpetuate nega�ve gender norms and stereotypes

The research concluded that to address sexual harassment, there was need for a holis�c and comprehensive response to make ter�ary ins�tu�ons safe zones for students. The priority areas to look into include those shown in the illustra�on below

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5.5) Panel Discussion: A solu�on Centred Delibera�on

A panel of key stakeholders was organised during the dialogue mee�ng to allow for broad discussion which is solu�on centred to address sexual harassment in ter�ary ins�tu�ons. Among the panel it was; • A student from University of Zimbabwe (Vanessa Amidu) • Director of Musasa Project (Ne�y Musanhi) • Dean of Students from Bindura University (Doctor Richard Makado) • Canadian Ambassador ( His Excellency Rene Cromonese) • Swedish Ambassador (Soﬁa Calltorp) • UNFPA Country Representa�ve (Doctor Esther Muia)

The following are key highlights from the panel discussion: Key Asks from the Students: Represen�ng the students, Vanessa Amidu a students from University of Zimbabwe presented what students consider as calls to ac�on to stakeholders if universi�es are to be sexual harassment free. These were as follows:

1. Need to call for the amendments of the respec�ve University Acts, in par�cular the Ordinances. 2. To invest more in awareness raising on the provisions of exis�ng sexual harassment policies/ordinances/ rules and regula�ons including using informa�on dissemina�on pla�orms beyond orienta�on. 3. Strengthen sexual harassment case care management to include other service providers who provide medico- legal support amongst other services. 4. Universi�es to priori�ze research on the forms and context of sexual harassment for both resident and non-resident students including those on a�achment.

Recommenda�ons from the Panel

The following were some of the solu�ons proposed by the panellists • Promote Open Dialogue on the Subject: This breaks the silence, and addresses the culture of silence on sexual harassment • Clear Policies: Policies will provide guidelines for both preven�on and management of SH • Accessibility of services: Every student should know where to turn to get services and the services must be youth friendly • Challenge Social Norms: Including those that normalise harassment of women, or those that present men as immune to violence • Have Supervised Off Campus Residen�al Areas: Interven�ons must not only focus on students staying in campus but must also include those staying outside and colleges need to come up with supervisory mechanisms • Name and Shame the Perpetrators: This would act as a deterrent measure even to other poten�al perpetrators. If universi�es cannot do it, there are partners ready to offer that • Link survivors to other services like Shelter: Organisa�ons like Musasa offer such services Dean Makado Bindura university • Promote Ra�onal Behaviour among Lectures: Capacity building of the lecturers is also important for this to be possible • Bridge the gap between community and the students: Including promo�ng parent to child communica�on and the universi�es to find possible ways engaging parents while students are in college • Be inten�onal in targe�ng students on A�achment and those staying off Campus. Students are also harassed when they are on a�achment and colleges need to target these with needed support ini�a�ves. Students staying off campus also needs similar support mechanisms • Advocate for legal provisions to criminalise perpetrators of sexual harassment DIALOGUE ON ENDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT Page: 10 & ABUSE IN UNIVERSITIES IN ZIMBABWE

5.6) Other Cri�cal Reﬂec�ons from the Delegates

“The way the media reports ma�ers of students’ sexual and reproduc�ve health actually cause more harm to survivors of sexual harassment. The sensa�onalisa�on of the stories makes it very discouraging for students to open up, lest they become the next day’s newspaper headline. I urge members of the media to be sensi�ve, and treat ma�ers of sexual harassment with the importance they deserve, “MSU Dean of Students As delegates con�nued the dialogue with a view to find solu�ons to the challenge, the following were also raised by some of the delegates that a�ended the mee�ng. • Media Engagement and Sensi�sa�on: The MSU Dean of students noted with concern that some of the repor�ng done by tabloids in the country is actually causing more harm than helping the students. The trivialisa�on of sexual harassment and sensi�tonalisa�on of stories of sexuality makes it hard for students to open up, lest they end up making headlines. He implored members of the media to be professional in their repor�ng, and be sensi�ve to survivors of sexual harassment. • Intensify Student Orienta�on: Delegates noted college should scale up orienta�on programs for first years and not treat it as an op�on where students can choose to a�end or not to. A call was also made to make the orienta�on not just a day’s event but a comprehensive program where even issues of sexual harassment are discussed, including repor�ng mechanisms available. • The need for Parliament to Engage Students in Policy Formula�on: An honourable member of parliament who a�ended the mee�ng made a commitment to engage fellow parliamentarians and encourage them to involve and consult students when making various policies and laws of the country. This will ensure that students issues are also captured and priori�sed. • Professional Development Training Courses for Lectures: The dean of students at the University of Zimbabwe noted as gap that most lecturers join the academic staff because of their academic excellence, but some�mes not moulded with social skills to handle their job. As such, professional development courses will help • Commit to Implementa�on of the already available policies: Delegates felt that some of the policies to address sexual harassment are actually available, but there is lack of poli�cal will to implement them. Implementa�on of available policies can help the situa�on. • Include Emerging Issues like Revenge Pornography: it was also highlighted doing the mee�ng that there is now need to tackle emerging issues like revenge pornography which is a form of sexual harassment that is affec�ng students.

5.7) Commitment to End Sexual Harassment

Two ambassadors from the campaign, “Because I am a Man” led delegates into a session of making commitments to end sexual harassment in colleges. The commitment signing process was symbolic of the delegates’ passion and an expression of inten�on to do the best they can in their various capaci�es to end sexual harassment. It was also an expression, that, to end sexual harassment, every individual had a role play. DIALOGUE ON ENDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT Page: 11 & ABUSE IN UNIVERSITIES IN ZIMBABWE

6) Proposed Solu�ons to End Sexual Harassment in Universi�es

Based on the delibera�ons that took place at the mee�ng and as reported in the preceding sec�ons of this report, the following were deduced as the major gaps and solu�ons to end sexual harassment in Colleges

Recommenda�ons Exis�ng Gaps Recommenda�on/ Solu�on

Policy Recommenda�ons Absence of Clear Policies • Where colleges have no clear policies regarding sexual harassment, they should immediately start the process of making sure those policies are available. • There are partners available to support colleges in having these clear policies and they can engage them to assist the process

Students have Limited knowledge on • At the ﬁrst level, students need to be involved in the policy sexual harassment policies available formula�on process. This ensures that the cra�ed policies respond to in colleges the real gaps and challenges facing the students, • At another level colleges must make deliberate eﬀorts to make sure that students are made aware of the existence of those policies.

Limited Interac�on between • It is recommended that colleges work in partnership with the Universi�es and the Judiciary system judiciary in the management and preven�on of sexual harassment in in ending SH colleges. Interven�ons like engaging the police to give orienta�ons to students and staﬀ on sexual harassment can help

Programma�c Recommenda�ons

Limited Knowledge on Sexual • Some students suﬀer in silence, while others abuse or are abused Harassment Among students without understanding of what cons�tutes sexual harassment. Awareness raising ini�a�ves to educate students on the ma�er can help make a diﬀerence

Limited Programs Targe�ng Students • Interven�ons to address sexual harassment and indeed other sexual on A�achment and those staying oﬀ and reproduc�ve health challenges are concentrated to students on campus campus. However, students are also abused while on a�achment and in other spaces they stay outside the campus environment. Colleges need to be inten�onal in coming up with innova�ve approaches to empower all students with knowledge, skills and avail services

Limited Community Involvement in • While the reality is majority of students stay oﬀ campus, there is Students’ Aﬀairs limited interac�on between the college and home owners where students stay. College engagement with its surrounding neighbourhoods can help create safety nets for students and make all types of student’s residence safe zones. • Community involvement also entail university playing a role in promo�ng parent to child communica�on (PCC) on sexual harassment and related issues

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Limited Youth Friendly Service • Capacity Building of Nurses to provide youth friendly services should Provision in college health centres be priori�sed • There is also need for college health centres to have ﬂexible opening hours to make access for services easier for students • Colleges must also ensure there is a mixture of both young and old genera�on staﬀ manning the college clinics

Under Repor�ng of Sexual • More awareness programs targe�ng students regarding repor�ng Harassment Cases mechanisms available in the colleges • Naming and shaming SH oﬀenders can act as both a deterring factor for poten�al abusers, and also can make students have conﬁdence in the college system to handle sexual harassment cases • Educa�ng students and empowering them with informa�on on what SH is and what is not

Administra�ve Recommenda�ons

Limited Social Skills among Lecturers • Universi�es must ensure professional development of their staﬀ beyond academics to include social skills with issues like sexual harassment included as well.

Limited accommoda�on for students • Universi�es need to be innova�ve and learn from models used by other interna�onal universi�es to improve accommoda�on situa�on in colleges. Such learnings to also look into methods of ensuring oﬀ campus residents are supervised and monitored to be safe spaces for students

Limited Referral Linkages for Survivors • Universi�es must come up with synergies with local partners who can provide other services they cannot offer. For instance Musasa Project offers shelters for survivors of all forms of gender based violence • External partners can also help in bringing offenders to account for their crimes

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7) Conclusion

Sexual harassment in universi�es is challenge that has remained unsolved for a very long �me. It is s�ll treated as a taboo, and a sensi�ve subject that very few are willing to discuss about. Because it has remained largely a buried secret, vic�ms of sexual violence con�nue to suﬀer, against the background of a seemingly intolerant, judgemental and less informed society. Further, it is a vice that con�nue to happen in the college environment that seem to be oﬀering less to protect the students, both in terms of policy and programma�c interven�ons. There is however hope, as stakeholders have begun the process of crea�ng open dialogue, and having solu�on focused delibera�ons. With all stakeholders being accountable and commi�ng to end sexual violence, it is possible to make the university a safe zone for all students and a place where dreams are natured to become true.

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