GENDER ABUSE EVEN AT VARSITIES

Dr Domitila Bashemera

By Habel Chidawali,The Citizen Correspondent

Dodoma. It has been revealed that many university students face gender harassment, defying the belief that educated people are more aware of what of human rights are all about.

The chairperson of the gender unit and good governance in the Institute of Rural Development Planning here, Dr Domitila Bashemera,  said gender abuse and oppression are widely reported in many higher learning institutions and suggested combined efforts for tackling the problem.

Dr Bashemera said this at the opening of a HIV/Aids workshop and campaign against gender-based violence at the institute in the Mwalimu Nyerere Hall, that the main victims are female students, especially those who are found to be HIV-positive.

“Students and some officials in the institutions are known to intimidate female students as well as stigmatising  those who happen to be HIV-positive... most of these cases go unreported to the authorities,” she explained.

Dr Bashemera said she was astonished to find that gender-based violence, which is common in rural areas,  was also found in institutions of higher learning where populations comprise, expectedly, broad-minded  people. 

The institution’s principal, Mr Constantine Lifulilo, admitted there very limited gender rights awareness at his institute, hence the prevalence  of  both gender abuse and HIV /Aids stigmatisation. He said intellectual arrogance and over-confidence have spoiled the mindsets of most students, which  make them ignore basic issues like HIV prevention and gender respect.

 “Academicians have not contributed much in campaigns to fight gender violence and effects of HIV/Aids. Stakeholders must join hands since the two issues are interrelated,” he cautioned.

CREDIT SOURCE: THE CITIZEN