ZGC Chairperson Mrs. Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe
Source: Africa Publicity
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in higher and tertiary education institutions. This move comes in response to growing reports of abuse, where students and female staff members have accused lecturers and administrators of demanding sexual favors in exchange for academic or professional advancement.
ZGC Chairperson Mrs. Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe has called on survivors and witnesses to contribute their accounts and evidence, emphasizing the commission’s statutory obligation to safeguard gender equality and victims of abuse. “Further to the above notice, an invitation is hereby given to any victims or witnesses to any acts of sexual harassment and abuse in tertiary institutions and institutions of higher learning to present to the commission written complaints, witnesses’ statements and any other supporting documents or evidence which can assist in the investigation,” reads the notice.
The investigation will involve reviewing submissions, followed by oral hearings on dates to be announced. The ZGC has the legal authority to investigate sexual harassment under the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act and the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The commission’s powers include receiving complaints, summoning individuals and institutions for questioning, demanding documents and evidence, and conducting public hearings. It can also refer cases to law-enforcement agencies for prosecution and publicly expose offenders if institutions fail to act on its recommendations.
This probe is a significant step towards addressing the systemic abuse in higher learning institutions, where many victims have feared coming forward due to threats, intimidation, and lack of proper reporting mechanisms.
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