Tackling sexual harassment in educational institutions

Dr Mohammad Shahidul Islam :

In Bangladesh, despite efforts to promote gender equality and ensure safe learning environments, incidents of sexual harassment continue to plague schools, colleges, and universities across the country, perpetuating a culture of fear, shame, and impunity.

Sexual harassment in educational institutions manifests in various forms, ranging from verbal harassment and unwanted advances to physical assault and exploitation.

Victims, predominantly female students, often suffer in silence due to fear of reprisal, social stigma, and lack of supportive mechanisms.

Perpetrators, usually individuals in positions of power such as teachers, administrators, or fellow students, exploit this imbalance of power to target vulnerable individuals and perpetrate acts of harassment with impunity.

One of the underlying factors contributing to the prevalence of sexual harassment in educational institutions is the pervasive culture of gender inequality and patriarchal norms.

Deeply ingrained societal attitudes that perpetuate the objectification and subjugation of women create fertile ground for harassment to thrive unchecked.

Moreover, the hierarchical structure of educational institutions, where authority figures wield disproportionate power over students, exacerbates the vulnerability of victims and emboldens perpetrators.

Another contributing factor is the lack of robust institutional mechanisms and accountability frameworks to address incidents of sexual harassment effectively.

Despite the existence of laws and policies aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment, enforcement mechanisms remain weak, and accountability is often elusive.

Victims face numerous barriers when attempting to report incidents, including fear of retaliation, lack of confidentiality, and scepticism regarding the credibility of their allegations.

Furthermore, prevailing societal attitudes often serve to perpetuate victim-blaming and minimise the seriousness of sexual harassment.

Victims are frequently subjected to disbelief, victimisation, and ostracisation, further compounding their trauma and discouraging them from seeking recourse.

This culture of silence and impunity perpetuates a cycle of abuse, allowing perpetrators to continue their predatory behaviour unchecked.

The impact of sexual harassment on victims extends far beyond the immediate physical and emotional trauma.

It undermines victims’ sense of safety, dignity, and self-worth, impeding their ability to focus on their studies and pursue their educational aspirations.

Moreover, the pervasive fear of harassment inhibits female students’ participation in academic and extracurricular activities, perpetuating gender disparities and limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth.

In response to mounting pressure, educational institutions and policymakers have taken steps to address sexual harassment more effectively.

Many universities and colleges have established internal mechanisms, such as gender equity committees and grievance redressal cells, to handle complaints of sexual harassment and provide support to victims.

Additionally, legislative reforms, such as enacting the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act in 2009, have sought to provide legal recourse for victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

However, significant challenges remain in translating these initiatives into tangible improvements in the safety and well-being of students.

The effectiveness of internal mechanisms often depends on the commitment and capacity of institutions to implement and enforce them consistently.

Moreover, cultural barriers, institutional inertia, and entrenched power dynamics hinder meaningful change.

Moving forward, addressing sexual harassment in educational institutions requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles root causes, strengthens institutional capacity, and fosters a culture of zero tolerance for harassment.

Efforts to challenge patriarchal norms and promote gender equality must be integrated into educational curricula, awareness campaigns, and institutional policies.

Empowering students, particularly female students, to assert their rights and resist harassment is essential to creating a culture of respect and dignity.

Educational institutions must establish robust mechanisms for preventing and addressing sexual harassment, including clear reporting procedures, confidential support services, and disciplinary measures for perpetrators. Training for staff and faculty on recognising and responding to harassment is critical in creating a supportive and responsive environment.

Continued advocacy and awareness-raising efforts are essential in challenging societal attitudes, dispelling myths, and fostering a culture of solidarity and support for victims. Student-led initiatives, community partnerships, and media campaigns are vital in mobilising collective action and holding institutions and authorities accountable.

Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms is crucial in ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and victims have access to justice.

This includes providing adequate resources and support for law enforcement agencies, legal aid services, and judicial institutions to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual harassment effectively.

Providing comprehensive support services for victims, including counselling, medical assistance, and legal aid, is essential in mitigating the long-term impact of sexual harassment and facilitating victims’ recovery and healing.

Ensuring victims are treated with compassion, respect, and confidentiality is paramount in restoring their sense of agency and dignity.

Addressing sexual harassment in educational institutions in Bangladesh requires a concerted and sustained effort from all stakeholders – academic institutions, policymakers, civil society organisations, and the wider community.

By challenging entrenched norms, strengthening institutional accountability, raising awareness, and supporting victims, we can create safer, more inclusive learning environments where all students can pursue their educational aspirations free from fear, harassment, and discrimination.

It is not only a moral imperative but also a fundamental human right to ensure that every individual has the right to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that is free from harassment and violence.

(The writer is an Assistant Professor and Chairman of the Department of Mathematics at Tejgaon College, Dhaka).