Story by Fungai Jachi
HARARE-IN a bold move aimed at fostering safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environments, the Government has launched a Model and Benchmarking Policy on Anti-Sexual Harassment to guide tertiary institutions in preventing and addressing sexual harassment.
The policy, launched in Harare this Wednesday, seeks to reinforce accountability and bolster response mechanisms within higher and tertiary education institutions, ensuring that students and staff are protected from all forms of sexual harassment.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Ambassador Frederick Shava, emphasised the need for a harmonised and effective framework across all institutions.
“While the Ministry applauds those Higher and Tertiary Education Institutions who have taken the bold step of developing institution-specific zero-tolerance policies to Sexual Harassment, it is of concern to note that many of these policies have gaps and are not comprehensive enough to be utilised as sexual harassment prevention and response mechanisms. It is these identified gaps in these noble policies that ignited the development of the Model and Benchmarking Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy.
“The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Innovation Science and Technology Development embraces and promotes the ideals of equality, dignity and the ability to live, work and study without fear of harassment that are at the core of higher education across the globe. In line with this, the Ministry proactively takes measures to strengthen Higher and Tertiary Institutions’ accountability and response mechanisms to protect both students and employees from all forms of sexual harassment. The development of this Model and Benchmarking Sexual Harassment policy is a milestone ministerial achievement towards the attainment of the Ministry’s mandate of ensuring quality and inclusive higher and tertiary education as guided by the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy,” he said.
The policy provides a standardised framework, including clear definitions, prevention mechanisms, and enforcement strategies, to support institutions in crafting comprehensive, institution-specific anti-sexual harassment policies.
Education sector stakeholders welcomed the policy as a significant victory for the rights of students and staff in learning institutions.
“It is a win for us because this is something we have always pushed for. Students are now protected because there is a clear standard with definitions and mechanisms to deal with perpetrators,” Programmes Manager at the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe, Ms Wadzanayi Chitiga said.
UNESCO’s Regional Director and Representative to Southern Africa, Ms Nisha, also lauded the Government’s commitment.
“We acknowledge the efforts being made to create a safe environment for learners and staff because sexual harassment is a vice that has present in higher learning institutions. We hope that institutions will take up the task to implement the policy,” she said.
All institutions of higher and tertiary education are expected to align their internal policies with this national model. The Government has also warned that complacency or resistance to implementing the policy will not be tolerated.
The launch marks a significant step in advancing human dignity, promoting gender equality, and reinforcing Zimbabwe’s commitment to quality higher education free from harassment.
