Fight against sexual harassment: Over 50 sensitized to lead campaign
One of the problems plaguing Ghana’s universities is sexual harassment.
The circumstance prevents females from making intellectual, physical, and physiological advancement and creates an unsafe environment for them.
Hence, through a workshop offered by the Anti-Sexual Harassment Action Project (A-SHAP), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, over 50 participants were made more aware of the need to spearhead anti-sexual harassment initiatives.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 48% of female students in Ghana reported being sexually harassed in 2018.
60% of female students at the University of Ghana campus report sexual harassment in 2020.
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These concerning figures have made it necessary for group initiatives, such as the KNUST Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy, to combat the societal threat at educational institutions.
The Anti-Sexual Harassment Action Project (A-SHAP) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is holding a two-day training to raise awareness of sexual harassment on campus, identify warning signs of potential sexual assault, and discuss preventative measures.
Recipients received education on victim and student reporting options.
KNUST PRO has a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment and rape.
Students, academics, and subject-matter specialists came together for the ASHAP workshop dubbed “trainer of trainers.”
The trainer of trainers will arm participants with the knowledge and skills they need to periodically train peer-to-peer mentors and student leaders on how to deal with situations of sexual harassment.
Students are unable to report sexual harassment issues because they are unaware of the resources that are available, according to senior lecturer and project leader for the KNUST Anti-Sexual Harassment Action Project (A-SHAP), Dr. Mrs. Mercy Badu.
She says the forum will give attendees the necessary knowledge to more effectively combat sexual harassment.
“KNUST has a sexual harassment policy paper, but students who experience harassment have little to do, are unable to forgive themselves, and it damages their life.
And those who are receiving training will be able to develop that trust to successfully address harassment situations, she said.
WiSTEMGh’s (Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Ghana) president, Prof.
We should not limit our analysis of sexual harassment to females.
As a participant, I’ve gained the knowledge necessary to inspire others to speak out against sexual harassment.
The KNUST Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy was discussed by lawyer Isaac Berko of KNUST Legal Services and Victoria De-Graft Adjei, Director of the KNUST Counseling Center, who also talked on the prevention of sexual harassment and assault.
Project Against Sexual Harassment (A-SHAP) KNUST is an initiative funded by the Martha Farrell Foundation and endorsed by the Alliance of Common Wealth Universities.
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