University Women Urged to Break Silence on Sexual Harassment

Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda, has voiced significant concern regarding the prevalence of sexual harassment within universities and tertiary institutions.

Ms. Tumusiime highlighted that many female students endure such abuse without reporting it, transforming educational spaces, which should be secure, into environments where predators can operate. She emphasized that this silence perpetuates the cycle of abuse and hinders the progress of young women.

“It is sad that the places that are supposed to be safe spaces for young people and protect them instead have a few predators,” Ms. Tumusiime stated during the opening of a four-day training session. “We continue killing the dreams of young people, who will help them achieve them? This should stop and that is why as FAWE, we won’t stop until we ensure that every girl is safe at school.”

The training introduces the TUSEME model, a FAWE initiative designed to equip young individuals with the confidence, skills, and platforms necessary to address challenges impacting their education, well-being, and leadership aspirations. The Swahili word ‘TUSEME’ translates to ‘Let us speak up.’

Participants include university and TVET lecturers, administrators, mentors, and student leaders from various institutions. The program aims to foster student-led structures within these institutions to identify and address issues like gender-based violence, discrimination, mental health concerns, and barriers to STEM education.

Ms. Tumusiime urged students to utilize the training to develop the courage to speak out without fear, emphasizing that action can only be taken when problems are brought to light. The comprehensive training covers safeguarding, gender-based violence, mental health, life skills, and action planning, empowering students to become agents of change within their academic communities.

This initiative is part of FAWE Uganda’s Higher Education Access Programme (HEAP), which supports underrepresented youth with bursaries. The TUSEME model employs participatory methods like dialogue, group work, and theatre to encourage students to analyze their environments and develop practical solutions, ultimately contributing to safer and more supportive learning environments.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)