Makerere University school of Women and Gender Studies has launched an online tool aimed at addressing sexual harassment in higher education institutions in the country.
Last year, Makerere University suspended three members of its academic staff for alleged sexual harassment.
Although, the University has a “zero tolerance” policy on sexual harassment, there have been several cases of sexual harassment and sexual assaults in the institution.
A 2018 report on the investigation of sexual harassment at Makerere University established several factors perceived to be the major causes of sexual harassment at the university.
These include abuse of power by those holding academic and administrative authority.
There is an argument that abuse stemmed from inequalities in power and from the exploitation of such power in gender relations, lecturer-student relationships, boss-employee relationships, and socioeconomic status among others.
It is also believed that the university environment is generally attuned to a patriarchal culture which stereotypes females as sexual objects and there is a campus “fraternity” culture, all of which shape attitudes that contribute to inappropriate sexual behaviour.
However, scholars are optimistic that the tool will enable a smooth process of reporting cases of sexual harassment without unnecessary interference from the perpetrators.
The system was developed by the School of Women and Gender Studies with support from the government through the University Research and Innovations Fund (RIF).
The tool designed by Prof. Grace Kyomuhendo can be accessed remotely on devices including mobile phones with internet access.
The Kish Web System is a unique platform for both staff and students, intended to ease access to information about sexual harassment and reporting such cases without interference.
The system is being piloted at Makerere University and will later be rolled out to other higher education institutions so that sexual harassment cases are fought in the country.
Scholars said the online system contributes to one of University’s strategic objectives aimed at ensuring a safe and conducive atmosphere for all stakeholders to fully exploit their potential and emphasising zero tolerance to sexual harassment and the need to rebuild structures and morals.
The development of the tool followed a survey that was conducted that showed the high prevalence of sexual harassment at the institution.
During the launch, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the vice Chancellor, Makerere University said, the tool will greatly help to curb sexual harassment not only at the University but also in other higher institutions of learning.
“The system will strengthen our system of fighting sexual harassment at Makerere and other universities,” Nawangwe said .
