As one way of ending gender based violence in tertiary schools, government through the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare has launched the Model Gender and Anti-Sexual Harassment policy for higher education institutions.
Addressing the audience during the event in Lilongwe Minister of Gender, Patricia Kaliati, said no one should suffer from violence.
She said; “If the country continues to harass girls and women even in the universities; it will be difficult to achieve the development targets stipulated in the agenda 2063.”
The Minister has since called for concerted efforts from all key players including students themselves to adopt a positive mindset towards elimination of the vice in all tertiary institutions across the country.
On her part Chairperson for National Council for Higher Education Dr. Beatrice Mtimuni, has vowed to ensure that the council will ensure that Gender and Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies are not just launched in universities, but are also implemented to achieve gender equality in higher education.
She said authorities should not dismiss the benefits of gender equity and management of sexual harassment in higher learning institutions but rather provide unwavering support to the higher education sector effective implementation of the policy.
Concurring with Dr. Mtimuni, Secretary for Ministry of Education, Chikondano Mussa said their ministry is committed to eliminate and prevent sex-for-grades, GBV and any form of abuse of women in higher education with effective implementation of Gender and Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies.
She said they will monitor closely the implementation of the policies from their end.
And on her part United Nations Resident Coordinator, Maria Jose Tores said gender equality is the basis for a better world for all as such there is a need to embrace a positive attitude towards it.
She said the launch of Model Gender and Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy for Higher Education Institutions indicates that progress is possible towards ending the vice.
The Model Gender & Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy for Higher Education Institutions has 5 priority areas and these are Gender and students, Gender and staff, Sexual harassment & GBV, Inclusive education and Epidemics & pandemics.
So far 22 public and private universities in Malawi have developed and reviewed their gender and anti-sexual harassment policies based on the Model Gender and Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy for Higher Education Institutions to end GBV.
