Perception Of Student On Sexual Harassment In Higher Institution

(A Case Study Of Enugu State College Of Education (Technical) Enugu)

5 Chapters
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54 Pages
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8,013 Words
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Understanding the perception of students regarding sexual harassment within higher education institutions is crucial for fostering a safe and supportive learning environment. It involves delving into various aspects such as awareness, reporting mechanisms, and institutional responses. Students’ attitudes toward sexual harassment may vary depending on their personal experiences, cultural background, and societal norms. Factors like gender dynamics, power imbalances, and institutional culture significantly influence how students perceive and respond to instances of sexual harassment. Additionally, the effectiveness of prevention and support measures, including education on consent and bystander intervention, plays a vital role in shaping students’ perceptions and their willingness to address and report such incidents. Ultimately, fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and inclusivity is essential in addressing and preventing sexual harassment within higher education settings.

ABSTRACT

Sexual harassment of students in school, mostly the females had negatively affected a woman’s psychological and physical well-being. The purpose of this study is to determine the perception of students about sexual harassment in higher institution in Enugu State College of Education (Technical) Enugu. The purpose of this study also investigate on the problem of pornographic movies and how to eradicate them, organizing seminars and workshops, orienting and educating the students more on sexual education. One hundred research questionnaire were distributed to the respondents or students in the school hostels. Three research questions each one focusing on the three main problems of the study showed that indecent dressing of mostly female students, greediness, illiteracy, intimidation, environment and peer groups constitute the major causes of sexual harassment of students in school. The study was concluded with some recommendations which includes that seminars, workshops and synopsis should be organized for students in both lower and higher institution of learning; production of pornographic films should be eradicated by the government, code of dressing should be checkmated mostly by female students who go about half-naked in the name of fashion; provision of job opportunities by the government to reduce idleness. The researchers believes that if all these are put in place, it will help curb sexual harassment of students in higher institution.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page
Approval page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of contents
List of tables
Abstract

Chapter 1:
Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of Problem
1.3 Purpose of the study
1.4 Significance of the study
1. 5 Research Questions
1. 6 Scope of the study

Chapter II:
Review Of Related Literature
2.1 Concept of sexual harassment
2.2 Types of sexual harassment
2.3 Effects of sexual harassment
2.4 Consequences of sexual harassment
2.5 Strategies measure to curb sexual harassment
2.6 Effects of sexual harassment in an organization
Summary of the literature review
2.7 Definition of terms

Chapter III:
Research Method
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of the study
3.3 Population of the study
3.4 Sample size and Sampling Techniques
3.5 Instrument for Data Collection
3.6 Validation of the Instrument
3.7 Reliability of the Instrument
3.8 Method OF Data Collection
3.9 Method of Data analysis
3.10 Decision Rule

Chapter IV:
Presentation And Analysis of Data

Chapter V:
Discussion of findings
5.1 Discussion of findings
5.2 Suggestions for further studies
5.3 Conclusion of the study
5.4 Limitation of the study 39
5.5 Recommendation
40 Reference
Appendix
Questionnaire

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background Of The Study
Iheke (2010) defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct, comment gesture or contact of sexual nature. Sexual harassment, negatively affects a woman’s psychological and physical well-being and or lead to negative job or academic environment-related consequences for her. In the educational environment, the phenomena which normally affect girls and women more than boys and men, has a potential to erode the future of many female students who are mostly the victim but do not have access to any counseling or channels for redress.
Prof. Iheke, says that sexual harassment in universities was not limited to Africa. “It is a global issue” the abuse of power. Iheke (2010) further said the interview showed that sexual harassment had become normalized”, within some universities. Male student assumption about “prostitution” among their female peers” diminished women achievements “she said recent findings by the United Nations suggest that sexual exploitation and abuse within schools is widespread.
Some lecturers and students, however, think otherwise and a family life counselor and lecturer Ejli (2009) said his encounter with female students indicate widespread harassment from male lecturer and points out that some students who are faced with academic challenges sometimes approached lecturers for such favors. Some students who were interviewed on radio station from other institution also confirmed that sexual harassment of female students by male lectures was real.
As a way of helping to curb the issues, Iheke explains why her outfit undertook seminars and programmes on the various campuses to educate female students on their gender and reproductive right. Unsafe abortion among others, to ascertain the certaininty of the claims, the researchers therefore seek to find out the perception of students of ESCET on sexual harassment.

1.2 Statement Of Problem:
Sexual harassment has become a persuasive issue affecting higher institutions in the country. Many issues affecting higher institutions in the country. Many students who are victims of this harassment were not bold enough to report to the student authorities for fear of being victimized in their examination by the lecturer and therefore most of them suffer in silence.
Many female students have been molested and it has become a cankerworm eating up in our tertiary institutions. Sexual harassment has become “normalized” within some many institutions. Male students’ assumption about “prostitution” among their female peers “diminished women’s achievements”.
Rapists hovers everywhere looking for their prey, some pretends going to night class in the name of reading but that is not the true definition of their actions.
Female identity had been destiny, they added and explain that “if female fail” this is seen as evidence of their lack of academic abilities and preparedness of higher education. It has been observed that failure to accept sexual advances leads to good grades. These attitudes have negative influence in education. The perceptions of students are hereby sought.

1.3 Purpose Of The Study:
The purpose of this research work includes the following: Generally the researcher seeks to:
i. To identify the causes of sexual harassment of students in higher institution in ESCET.
ii. To identify the danger of sexual harassment in higher institution in Enugu State College of Education Technical.
iii. To identify the strategies in which government have employ to curb sexual harassment of students in higher institution.

1.4 Significance Of The Study:
The finding from this research work will enlighten both the students, lecturers and government to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment in Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET) and the entire society of large to see the need to curb sexual harassment.
Students Should always dres sence at all time that their body will be covered. They should also visit the office of male lectures at the appropriate time to avoid sexual harassment and they should know their right.
Lecturers should not allow students in their offices at old time and be straight forward in grade giving. The controlling of oneself is another thing people should adopt so that in the case of ones exposure especially female student, they will be able to hold themselves because not every thing the eye see it will taste.
Government is the key to every beginning. They are the people a that make law and enforce it to the citizens. When they make
law abiding sexual harassment especially to institut6ions, and the society at large and give a sound punishment. I believe that sexual harassment will be curbed.
Finally, the result of this study will suggest ways of achieving optimum educational goals and saving our females from sexual harassment and make them to loss their pride as a woman.

1.5 Research Questions:
The study was guided by the following research questions:
i. What are the causes of sexual harassment in higher institution in ESCET?
ii. What are the dangers of sexual harassment in higher institution in Enugu State College of Education (Technical)?
iii. What are the strategies in which government have employ to curb sexual harassment in higher institution in ESCET?

1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is to examine, the perception of sexual harassment of students in higher institution in Enugu College of Education (Technical) and other campuses at large.

Definition of terms
i. Perception: The ability to perceive, or the act of perceiving.
ii. Humiliation: Case to feel ashamed or stupid
iii. Curb: A check or restraint
iv. Rape: (of a man) force someone to have sex with
him against their will.
v. Molest: Prefer or harass or sexual assault.
vi. Sexual harassment: This is an unwelcome conduct, comment gesture or contact of sexual nature, whether or a one time basis or a series of incidents that might cause offence. Limitation, awareness or embarrassment, or that might reasonably be conceived as a condition of sexual nature.

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Perception Of Student On Sexual Harassment In Higher Institution:

The perception of students on sexual harassment in higher education institutions varies widely depending on several factors including culture, region, gender, and personal experiences. However, there are some common themes that can be observed:

  1. Awareness and Recognition: Many students are now more aware of what constitutes sexual harassment compared to the past. They are better educated about the various forms it can take, such as verbal harassment, unwanted advances, and online harassment. This increased awareness is partly due to efforts by institutions to educate their students on these issues.
  2. Gender Disparities: There’s often a recognition that women, transgender individuals, and non-binary students are disproportionately affected by sexual harassment. Female students, in particular, may report more instances of harassment and may be more vocal about their concerns.
  3. Fear and Silence: Despite increased awareness, there’s still a fear of reporting harassment. Students may be afraid of retaliation, not being believed, or facing stigma. This fear can result in underreporting and a culture of silence around the issue.
  4. Perceptions of Institutional Response: The perception of how institutions handle complaints of sexual harassment varies. Some students may have confidence in their institution’s processes and believe that they take these issues seriously. Others may feel that institutions are more interested in protecting their reputation than in addressing the issue effectively.
  5. Online Harassment: With the rise of social media and digital communication, students are increasingly experiencing online sexual harassment. This can include cyberbullying, unsolicited explicit messages, or the sharing of intimate images without consent. Students may have mixed feelings about how institutions handle such cases.
  6. Prevention and Education: Many students believe that education and prevention programs are essential. They may support initiatives that teach consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. However, the effectiveness of these programs can be debated.
  7. Cultural and Regional Differences: Perception can vary widely across different cultures and regions. In some cultures, discussing sexual harassment openly may still be stigmatized, while in others, there may be more open dialogue.
  8. Advocacy and Activism: Some students are actively engaged in advocacy and activism related to sexual harassment. They may organize awareness campaigns, demand policy changes, and support survivors.
  9. Legal and Policy Frameworks: Students may also consider the legal and policy frameworks in their respective countries or states. The perception of the effectiveness of these frameworks can influence their views on sexual harassment.
  10. Intersectionality: Intersectionality plays a significant role in how students perceive sexual harassment. Students from marginalized communities, such as LGBTQ+ individuals or racial minorities, may experience harassment differently and may have unique perspectives on how it should be addressed.

In conclusion, the perception of students on sexual harassment in higher education institutions is complex and multifaceted. It is influenced by various factors, including personal experiences, institutional responses, cultural norms, and the broader societal context. Efforts to combat sexual harassment in higher education should take into account these diverse perceptions and work towards creating safe and inclusive environments for all students.