Research:Developing Policies and Programs to Address Sexual Misconduct and Harassment at Maseno University in Kenya

Developing Policies and Programs to Address Sexual Misconduct and Harassment at Maseno University in Kenya

Sexual harassment is associated with mental health problems, loss of work productivity, and poor academic achievement among students. This study aims to understand and prevent these public health problems on the campus of Maseno University in Kenya. This project is being conducted as part of the Sustainable Development for HIV Health (SD4H) Program, a career development fellowship sponsored by the National Institutes of Health Fogarty International Center.

The overarching goal of this work is to ensure Maseno University has policies, procedures and practices that create an environment free from all forms of physical and sexual violence, allowing faculty members, staff, and trainees the opportunity to thrive. While Maseno University has existing policies and procedures aimed to deal with gender-based violence and workplace harassment, there are barriers that prevent patrons of the university from utilizing the services. This study seeks to build the capacity of Maseno to develop awareness, training, procedures and policies for responding to and preventing harassment and discrimination.

Research Aims

Aim 1:
To assess publicly available information and resources on sexual violence, sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence and discrimination at Maseno University.

Aim 2:
To assess the types and extent of sexual misconduct and harassment on the campus of Maseno University.

Aim 3:
To refine Maseno University’s policies and procedures to ensure they address sexual harassment complaints, while protecting the complainant; and develop a repository for workplace harassment case reporting and response.

Aim 4:
To develop materials to raise awareness about and build capacity to handle and respond to workplace harassment, and inform the research community of recourse, resources, and policies.