Sexual Harassment of Female Students in selected South African Universities

Abstract Universities are institutions focussing on developing knowledge acquisition, acquiring discipline-specific skills, and where mentoring of students transpire, facilitating students in pursuing careers of their choice. Therefore, universities should be nonviolent environments where students use their scholarships to their full potential. In recent years, universities have become environments of distress for female students, with escalating reports of violence against them so extensive that it has become petrifying. This study aimed to explore reasons for increasing sexual harassment towards female students in three South African Universities. A qualitative approach and a case study research design were used in conducting this study. Thirty female students (10 from each of the three selected universities) and three staff (2 counsellors and 1 Dean of students from the selected universities) were purposively sampled to participate in this study to share their experience on sexual harassment. The data obtained through in-depth interviews was analysed thematically and supported by the relevant literature. The findings revealed that amongst the many forms of violence against women, sexual harassment is very common. The study recommended that female students who have been victims of any form of sexual harassment should establish support networks and empower each other in overcoming fear of abuse and assist victims to become survivors.