Combating Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutions

In February 2024, Women Unlimited Eswatini and Bantwana Initiative Eswatini, launched the Campus Sexual Harassment Prevention Initiative (CSHP) at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA). This pioneering project, supported by UK Aid through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under the What Works 2 Programme, aims to foster safer learning environments and combat sexual harassment within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The initiative was officially launched at UNESWA on Wednesday, the 7^th 2024, engaging a diverse audience of over 300 participants, including students, government officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), and UNESWA staff.

Speaking at the launch, Vimbai Kapurura, Founder and Executive Director of Women Unlimited Eswatini, emphasized the urgent need for action:

Today confirms our common understanding of the urgency to address violence against women in Eswatini and, in particular, campus sexual harassment. Our intervention leverages our collective expertise to achieve a measurable reduction in violence by addressing the underlying gender-related norms driving harassment. We centre both female and male students as conversation starters, resisters, and conduits for positive norms diffusion—creating safe spaces for dialogues critical to challenging everyday sexism.”

The Director continued to say working together, lays a foundation to make this initiative gender-sensitive, adaptable, and sustainable. She said Women Unlimited Eswatini and Bantwana Initiative Eswatini have a dream that UNESWA is only the beginning—that the organisations will get the resources to expand this initiative to other universities and colleges where campus violence is also rife.

During the same event, UNESWA Vice Chancellor also addressed the participants, affirming the university’s commitment to creating a safe campus environment. In his speech, he expressed the institution’s dedication to ensuring the success of the initiative:

This insidious form of violence has no place in the halls of learning, every student deserves the right to pursue their education in an environment free from fear and intimidation. I stand before you today not only as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Eswatini, but also as an advocate for a future where UNESWA is synonymous with safety, inclusivity, and respect for all.”

The Vice Chancellor highlighted the project as a transformative step forward, in fighting sexual harassment. He said the intervention delves into the heart of this issue, not just to raise awareness, but to empower the university students to become agents of change.

In his closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor called upon the entire university community to embrace the initiative:

“To our vibrant student community, I say this: You are the heart and soul of UNESWA, the change-makers of tomorrow. Seize this opportunity to join these clubs, raise your voices, and become active participants in shaping a campus culture of respect and equality. Remember, your courage to speak up, your willingness to intervene, and your unwavering commitment to justice can create a ripple effect, transforming not just this campus, but our entire society.”

Moving forward, as part of the initiative, Women Unlimited Eswatini and Bantwana Initiative Eswatini further conducted a Gendered Political Economy Analysis (GPEA) workshop, revealing critical insights into how gender norms influence participation and experiences of violence at the University. Key partnerships have been established, including agreements with the Deputy Prime Minister’s office (DPMO), the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Justice’s Legal Aid Clinic, to further support the cause.