Cape Coast: The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy, and Documentation (CEGRAD) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in collaboration with Perfector of Sentiments (POS), has organised a sensitization programme to educate students on sexual harassment. The initiative aims to empower students to boldly report such incidents.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was sponsored by Amplify Change, an NGO, and featured a roundtable panel where Ms. Mercy Catherine Adjabeng, a communication specialist and gender advocate, highlighted the urgent need for students to report cases of sexual harassment without fear. She emphasized that societal norms often condoned such behavior, making it difficult for victims to speak out due to fear of disgrace to themselves and their families. Ms. Adjabeng encouraged students to prioritize their well-being by reporting harassment, which would help protect their mental health and ensure a safer learning environment.
Professor Kojo Okyere, Head of the Department of Religion and Human Values at UCC, pointed out that some individuals misused religious teachings to justify or downplay sexual harassment. He urged students to challenge such misinterpretations and stand firm against any form of abuse. Mr. Vanboven Swanzy Essien, a legal practitioner, explained that sexual harassment could be both verbal and non-verbal, warning that everyday actions like wolf-whistling and misogynistic remarks were forms of harassment that could lead to severe consequences.
Professor Eunice Fay Amissah, Director of CEGRAD, reassured students of full institutional support against any form of harassment. She emphasized the university's strict policy against inappropriate relationships between staff and students, ensuring that reports of misconduct would be taken seriously.
Mr. Jonathan Osei Owusu, Founder and Executive Director of POS Foundation, shared the achievements of his organization, which has been active in human rights and gender advocacy. He revealed that the Foundation was launching educational campaigns across five public universities in Ghana, including UCC, to raise awareness about sexual harassment. He emphasized the importance of recognizing harassment and the necessity of reporting unwelcome acts to ensure perpetrators face consequences.
