KISH Project

Sexual harassment (SH), abuse and exploitation in Higher Education Institutions remains a problem that makes headlines on a weekly basis in the media (Dranzoa, 2018). Persistence of sexual harassment at HEIs in Uganda is attributed to structural, unequal gender-power relations; and unsafe campus environment (Makerere University, 2018). Makerere University has put in place policies and structures to address SH (Gender Policy 2009; Anti Sexual Harassment Policy 2019, and Gender Mainstreaming Directorate). Despite these provisions, SH persists unabated at the university. The baseline survey conducted at Makerere University points to inadequate and weak implementation of the policies and structures compounded by survivor’s ignorance about their rights, mechanisms for redress and policy procedures as well as inadequate expertise and commitment to implement the policies (Bantebya, et al, 2020; Makerere University, 2018). The existing policies and structures are reported not to be student and staff friendly who consequently are reluctant to use them (Bantebya, et al, 2020). In response to the above, the School of Women and Gender Studies, received a research grant from the Uganda Government supported Research Innovation fund at Makerere University to undertake to conduct an action oriented study code named "Whole University Approach: Kicking Sexual Harassment out of Higher Education Institutions in Uganda” (KISH Project).

Key Components of the project

  The Key components include

1. KISH Student’s Clubs for female students that provides space for young women to acquire knowledge about prevention and reporting systems for sexual harassment, life skills and peer support. Each club is managed by trained Coach to facilitate club activities and mentor the students.
2. Online SH course for students and staff to provide general information on SH, policies and structures, sources of support and response mechanisms. It is anticipated that the course will become mandatory for all staff and students to close the knowledge gap in SH.
3. Men’s Hub that involves holding dialogue sessions targeting male staff and students focusing on managing masculinity and sharing knowledge on SH and developing strategies as a group to stop SH in HEIs.
4. Online web based SH application for reporting, supporting and processing cases of sexual harassment. The system provides a confidential and safe space for reporting and managing SH cases in a timely and efficient manner.