Yeukai Munetsi
Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) last week hosted a sexual harassment awareness workshop at Gweru Polytechnic in order to sensitize women on their rights.
The event was graced by Musasa Project and Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWALA) and Ebenezer Trust
Speaking at the engagement meeting Msasa Project Midlands Coordinator Agnes Muuya described the different forms of sexual harassment and how they have a negative psychological impact on women.
“Sexual harassment comes in many forms. There is sexual, verbal and physical harassment. Sexual violence is rape or forced sexual intercourse without consent. All these forms of harassment can occur at school, work, home, church and even when walking.
“Despite women not being the only ones to experience sexual harassment, they are affected more by quid pro quo where a lecturer or a person in authority offers to give a higher grade in exchange for sex,” said Munetsi.
Ebenezer Trust director Florence Guzha explained how myths contribute to sexual harassment of women.
“There is a common myth that we have to abandon, that harassment is only related to men harassing women as there is also women to women harassment.
“We have to demystify myths surrounding our culture of Chiramu that expose women to sexual harassment by their relatives and we also have to demystify that those who face harassment would have provoked the perpetrators.
“Women should be firm when dealing with sexual harassment. An empowered and well informed woman rarely succumb to abuse. Going to your boyfriend’s house does not mean he has the right to rape you,” said Guzha.
A ZWALA member Clara Chikohora emphasized the need for the government to criminalize sexual harassment in all forms.
“In Zimbabwean law, there is no definition for sexual harassment, it is only found in the Labour Act defined as unwanted and unwelcome behaviours of a sexual nature that interfere with the right to receive equal opportunities by requesting sexual favours.
“There is need for specific policies that clearly define sexual harassment and also for institutions to make students aware of the sexual harassment policies constantly,” said Chikohora
For all those in need for assistance for sexual harassment or gender based violence contact
Musasa toll free lines:
08080074 (buddie)
08010074 (NetOne)
073100 72-4 (Telecel)
WhatsApp :0775442300
Adult rape clinic: +263242793572
Youth Advocacy: 393
