Sexual Harassment among Female Students and Its Effects on Their Education: A Case of Universities in Arusha Region
Tano Said
Matron; Mtitaa Secondary School,
P.O Box 2921- Dodoma-Bahi. District.
Email: mwatanos@gmail.com
Dr. Paul Raphael Kitula
St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Arusha.
P.OBox 12385 – Arusha, Tanzania.
Email: kitula07@gmail.com
Abstract: This study examined sexual harassment among university female students regardless of various strategies applied against it. The objectives were to determine factors influencing sexual harassment among female students in universities and to examine strategies adopted to mitigate sexual harassment in universities. Gender and Power theory grounded this study. Mixed methods approach and descriptive survey design were used to gather data. Four universities were randomly selected. The targeted population was 510 respondents with 102 sample size which included 78 female students, 16 academic staffs selected randomly while 4 student leaders and 4 deans of students were purposively selected. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires while qualitative data through interview guides. Research experts & supervisor validated the instruments. Reliability was determined in pilot study and Cronbach alpha coefficient was found to correlate at r = 0.75. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the SPSS version 20 and results were presented in tables of frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study revealed poor awareness on sexual harassment, student’s indiscipline, dress code, internet use, unsafe hostels, university culture, public transport and part time jobs as factors influencing sexual harassment among female students. The findings indicated measures against sexual harassment such as enactment of ant-sexual harassment policy, the use of website reporting platform and research center, educative programs, dress code, gender desk and code of ethics. The study recommends for introduction of gender based education from primary schools to university, which will necessitate war against sexual harassment in education setting.
