CampusMeToo Awareness Walk Write-up
CampusMeToo is a Student- Led, Pan- African movement to end sexual harassment from staff on campus. The movement was launched on the 19th November 2019 by students in Kenyan higher learning institutions. The students behind #CampusMeToo have developed communication and education material to fight against sexual harassment from staff and students on campus. The material developed include the student’s toolkit, parent’s toolkit, lecturer’s toolkit and campaign materials such as posters, banners, stickers and notebooks.
The Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment in collaboration with CampusMeToo student ambassadors planned an awareness walk and talk on sexual harassment affecting students and staff on campus on Thursday the 5th of August 2021. The sexual harassment awareness walk was held at BSSC room 12 from 9 A.M – 1 P.M. The #CampusMeToo campaign walk begun at 9am from the Directorate Building to the BSSC while the participants chanted the importance of ending sexual harassment in the campus. The panelists to respond to questions and concerns during the open discussion were;
- Prof. Judith Waudo – Director, CGEE
- Dr. Willy Mwangi – Department, Sociology, Gender and Development Studies
- Miss. Martha Nyanchama – KUSA Vice President
- Miss. Azama Butelezi – CampusMeToo student ambassador
Prof. Waudo shared with the students the mandate of the Centre which is to mainstream gender in all University operations by organizing gender sensitization trainings to students and staff at Kenyatta University. She further went through the University’s SGBV policy highlighting the reporting mechanisms of sexual harassment cases. Additionally, she informed the students of the mobile application that will assist to anonymously, efficiently and securely report SGBV cases. She noted that, SGBV cases are many in the university, but many go unreported due to fear and shame. She hoped that through the App, this gap can be bridged.
The open discussion, presided over by Miss. Esther Wayua started with Miss. Martha providing the definition of Sexual Harassment as Unlawful, unsolicited and unwelcome sexual advance or requests for sexual favors. It can be verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Some of the concerns raised during the discussion were, what are right reporting channels when one has gone through sexual harassment, are the perpetrators of sexual harassment really punished, and if so, how are they punished? How are victims taken care of both physically and mentally? As a woman, how do you make sure you are not violated?
Dr. Willy Mwangi advised that women should understand the psychology of men. Men are mostly attracted to what they see and unfortunately, some men react to this by making unwanted sexual advances towards women and others go as far as raping them. Therefore, he advised ladies to dress decently and avoid showing too much skin especially when visiting an office of a man. However, he also stated that, being decent does not guarantee that a female student will not be harassed. In this case, it was recommended that one should not go to the office alone instead take a colleague as a safety measure.
The right reporting channels of SGBV cases go through the Centre, University’s Directorate of Security and Directorate of Health Services. This is to make sure that the report and evidence brought by a victim/survivor of sexual harassment is properly documented and he/she receives medical attention to avoid diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Further, for counselling, the survivor is directed to the Directorate of Wellness and Rehabilitation.
Prof. Waudo assured the students that the University has ZERO tolerance for sexual harassment and perpetrators are severely punished according to the existing policies. When a sexual harassment case is reported and documented, it is reported to Vice Chancellor who puts in place a committee that deliberates on it. Meanwhile, the accused is suspended from the University awaiting a verdict. In case found guilty, the accused is fired on the part of staff or expelled from the university if it is a student.
Miss. Azama Butelezi advised women that women can create as a safe place for themselves by first and foremost dressing well. As much as this is not a guarantee that one will escape sexual harassment, it is first step towards protecting oneself. She emphasized on having self-respect and morals. By doing this you have created a visible barrier against sexual harassment.
It is clear that the most affected by Sexual Harassment are females. However, both men and women should take an initiative to help in eradicating sexual harassment. For instance, this can be done by; teaching children of both genders from a young age to have mutual respect for each other. Though teaching children respect from a tender age, they learn to even respect themselves and have values. Additionally, men should be empowered on who they should be in the society: Protectors, not oppressors. They should not have toxic masculinity, having the need to prove that they are men by using their strength to exert their power over women. Further, both men and women should understand that NO means NO and that CONSENT is very important before having sexual relations with an individual.
To conclude, students were challenged to educate and empower themselves on the University’s SGBV policy. This way, they will know how to protect themselves against SGBV from both students and members of staff. Additionally, Prof. Waudo encouraged students to report sexual harassment cases of if not share with a trusted friend who can help report incidents and be our neighbor’s keeper. By doing this, it is a step further to help eradicate sexual harassment in University. She underscored on the availability of resources to address SGBV cases in the University through the Centre and other key directorates. She also urged the students to rise up, unite and fight SGBV injustices and be ambassadors of #CampusMeToo and the Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment.
Director, Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, Prof. Judith Waudo addressing participants during the Sexual Harassment Awareness talk BSSC Room 12 on 5th August 2021
The panelists at the Sexual Harassment Awareness talk BSSC Room 12 (left to right) Miss. Azama Butelezi -CampusMeToo student ambassador, Prof. Judith Waudo – Director, CGEE, Dr. Willy Mwangi – Department, Sociology, Gender and Development Studies and Miss. Martha Nyanchama – KUSA Vice President
Participants (students) walk and pose with “Nina Power” slogan to campaign against sexual harassment on Campus on 5th August 2021
Students march to campaign against sexual harassment on Campus on 5th August 2021
Participants at BSSC Room 12 during the Sexual Harassment Awareness talk BSSC Room 12 on 5th August 2021
The panelists (seated) with some of the participants at the Sexual Harassment Awareness talk BSSC Room 12 on 5th August 2021
