This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
November 19, 2019, marked the launch of the #CampusMeToo campaign at the University of Nairobi, aimed at addressing the deeply ingrained issue of sexual harassment in Kenyan universities.
According to a survey conducted by ActionAid in partnership with UN Women, one in every two female students and one in every four male students have experienced some form of sexual harassment from a member of staff.
Macrine Ondigo, project coordinator, emphasized the campaign's objective: to empower students to break the silence on sexual harassment and advocate for the development and implementation of new, and improvement of existing, anti-sexual harassment policies in Kenyan universities and colleges.
The campaign also seeks to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
“Sexual harassment targeted at students in higher learning institutions in Kenya is a deeply ingrained issue. It continues to undermine human rights and unfairly deprives the youth of Kenya a safe environment in which they can thrive, innovate and contribute positively to their personal and educational development,” said Ms Ondigo.
The campaign demands that institutions facilitate educational resources on sexual harassment, conduct yearly staff training, and appoint a Gender Officer to provide support to victims.
