During a function President over by the Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere University school of women and gender studies yesterday launched an online tool/app that will enable a smooth process of reporting cases of sexual harassment.
The tool, which was designed by Professor Grace Kyomuhendo can be accessed remotely on devices including mobile phones with internet access.
While speaking to the press shortly after the launch, Prof Nawangwe disclosed that the university has become tough on sexual harassment. Nawangwe added that the university has developed a policy of suspending officials implicated in sexual harassment, in a bid to allow smooth investigations into the allegations.
“We are not going to be investigating when somebody is around maybe trying to threaten the students, trying to frighten them so we don’t follow up the matter, no. We first suspend you and then investigate.” Nawangwe said.
A team of investigators discovered that students are sexually harassed through social media, in halls of residence, hostels, outdoor spaces, private residences and university offices.
“A student can first of all register and all the details like the college, the year of study, and then they are able to access immediately the point of reporting a case of sexual harassment which is right on top of the landing platform.” Prof Kyomuhendo said during the launch.
Apparently, lecturers will now be put on the spot to explain missing marks which has been used as bait of sexual harassment.
The app will be shared with other universities starting with Kyambogo, and other higher learning institutions later.
