Sex pests put on notice as anti-harassment inquiry launched

By Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) Thursday launched the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Higher and Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe in what will see students and other affected persons given the platform in private and much friendlier spaces to share their experiences.

This comes amid a rise in the number of complaints related to sexual harassment within tertiary institutions, according to the Commission.

In her remarks at the event, Gender Commission chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe expressed her grave concern over a recent increase in sexual harassment complaints.

“Today marks a crucial milestone in our collective commitment to ensuring safe and dignified educational environments for all students and staff within our higher education sector.

“As we gather here, we do so against the backdrop of a deeply concerning reality: the rising number of complaints related to sexual harassment within our tertiary institutions.

“The Zimbabwe Gender Commission has seen a significant increase in reports from individuals who have bravely come forward to share their experiences.

“These stories are not just numbers; they are voices pleading for recognition, justice, and change.

“Each report represents a life disrupted, a future jeopardised, and a community that has been let down,” said Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe.

She said by examining the systemic factors contributing to sexual harassment in Higher and Tertiary institutions, the ZGC aims to identify and address the root causes of this pervasive issue.

Mukahanana-Sangarwe said investigations were designed to shed light on how institutional cultures, policies, and practices may inadvertently perpetuate environments where harassment can thrive.

“This proactive approach is crucial for fostering long-term change and ensuring that our educational institutions are not only safe but also equitable.

“This inquiry is not merely a procedural response; it is a necessary step towards understanding the depth of the issue and developing informed strategies to address it,” she said.

Mukahanana-Sangarwe also lauded the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education for developing a Model Sexual Harassment Policy for all institutions in Zimbabwe.

“This initiative is a significant proactive measure that sets a clear standard for addressing and preventing sexual harassment across our educational landscape.

“The Model Policy serves as a framework for institutions to implement effective measures that protect students and staff, ensuring that everyone can pursue their academic and professional goals without the threat of harassment.

“By providing guidance on best practices and procedures for reporting incidents, this policy complements our inquiry and reinforces our collective commitment to fostering safe educational environments,” she said.

Mukahanana-Sangarwe said as the ZGC embarked on this important journey, all stakeholders, educators, administrators, students, and civil society organisations should actively participate in the inquiry.

“Your insights, experiences, and suggestions will be invaluable as we seek to create a comprehensive picture of the issue at hand.

“I encourage all of us to freely engage, share our views and put forward practical interventions and recommendations towards addressing this vice,” she said.

Since education is meant to empower, inspire, and uplift, Mukahanana-Sangarwe said it was therefore not acceptable that tertiary institutions, which should be sanctuaries of learning and growth, had become places where harassment undermined this mission.

“Let us remember that the fight against sexual harassment is not just about addressing individual incidents; it is about transforming our educational landscapes into environments where all individuals can thrive without fear. Together, we can create a future where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to pursue their dreams,” she said.

She added: “Let us move forward with resolve, courage, and unity as we launch this National Inquiry and take meaningful steps toward change.”

Speaking at the same occasion, ZGC Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Muwanigwa declare “that the era of silence, impunity, and suffering is over”.

“We are gathered here not merely for a launch, but for a declaration. A declaration that the halls of learning, which should be sanctuaries of intellectual pursuit and personal growth, must no longer be shadowed by the scourge of sexual harassment. We declare today that the era of silence, impunity, and suffering is over,” she said.

She added: “We have heard the whispers in corridors, the distressing stories shared in confidence, and the brave voices that have broken the silence on social media and in courtrooms.

“We have seen the devastating impact: brilliant young minds dropping out of college, promising careers shattered, and deep psychological scars that last a lifetime.

“This is not just a violation of personal dignity; it is an assault on our national potential. It is a barrier to our collective development, and we can no longer afford to ignore it.”

Muwanigwa said the inquiry will be thorough, and victim centred.

“We will create safe and confidential channels for students, past and present, as well as staff, to share their experiences. We will engage with university leadership, staff unions, student bodies, security officials, and all relevant stakeholders.

“Our approach will be empathetic, fair, and impartial,” she said.

Muwanigwa said it was also important to note that the process was not a witch-hunt, but a collaborative effort to support all in fostering environments where every student and lecturer can thrive without fear.

She said the ZGC will not let the report gather dust on the shelf, but will be relentless in their follow-up to ensure implementation.

The ZGC was established under Section 245 of the Constitution and bears the mandate to champion gender equality, protect the rights of all citizens, and to investigate violations of those rights.