Munyaradzi Blessing Doma- Zim Now Reporter

Since the establishment of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission in 2015, sexual harassment in higher and tertiary institutions has constituted the majority of cases received, Chairperson Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe has revealed.

Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe made the remarks on Thursday at the launch of the National Inquiry on Sexual Harassment in Higher and Tertiary Institutions. 

The launch, held at Harare Polytechnic College, was attended by several stakeholders, including students.

“Since our establishment, the Commission has received a wide range of cases, in which sexual harassment constituted the majority. Among these, sexual harassment in tertiary institutions made up most of the cases,” said Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe.

She added: “As we gather here, we do so against the backdrop of a deeply concerning reality: the rising number of complaints related to sexual harassment within our tertiary institutions. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission has seen a significant increase in reports from individuals who have bravely come forward to share their experiences. 

"These stories are not just numbers; they are voices pleading for recognition, justice, and change. Each report represents a life disrupted, a future jeopardized, and a community that has been let down.”

Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe also revealed that, in response to the alarming trend, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development formally requested the Commission on October 2, 2020, to conduct an inquiry into the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment in educational institutions.

“The Commission launched initiatives such as awareness-raising campaigns, research, and surveys to establish whether sexual harassment is indeed a problem in tertiary institutions. These initiatives provided a baseline on the gaps and issues related to sexual harassment,” she said.

She noted that the launch of the National Inquiry marks a crucial milestone in the collective commitment to ensuring safe and dignified educational environments for all students and staff within the higher education sector.

“This Inquiry is a crucial step towards upholding gender equality and ensuring a safe and conducive learning and working environment for all. Section 246 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe mandates the ZGC to safeguard gender equality and protect victims of abuse. 

"In addition, Section 5 of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act [Chapter 10:31] empowers the ZGC to investigate any systemic barriers prejudicial to gender equality, gender equity, or gender mainstreaming in a specific sector of society or the economy.

“This Inquiry aligns perfectly with our legal obligations and our mission to promote gender equality across all spheres of society. By examining the systemic factors contributing to sexual harassment in higher and tertiary institutions, we aim to identify and address the root causes of this pervasive issue. 

"Our investigation will shed light on how institutional cultures, policies, and practices may inadvertently perpetuate environments where harassment can thrive. This proactive approach is crucial for fostering long-term change,” she added.

She further noted that previous findings and reports, including a 2022 Parliamentary Committee Report, highlighted widespread allegations of sexual harassment and systemic issues such as power imbalances within institutions that enable exploitation.

The National Inquiry aims to:

• Collect data on the prevalence and nature of sexual harassment in higher and tertiary institutions.
• Understand institutional responses to reported cases and identify policy gaps.
• Promote safe and conducive learning environments for students and staff.

Its primary objectives are to determine the extent and types of sexual harassment occurring in tertiary institutions across Zimbabwe; analyze how institutions handle reported cases, including victim support mechanisms; uncover barriers that prevent victims from reporting harassment; and propose actionable recommendations for policy reforms and improved implementation.

Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe also acknowledged the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education for developing a Model Sexual Harassment Policy for all institutions in Zimbabwe.

“This initiative is a significant proactive measure that sets a clear standard for addressing and preventing sexual harassment across the educational landscape. The Model Policy serves as a framework for institutions to implement effective measures that protect students and staff, ensuring that everyone can pursue their academic and professional goals without the threat of harassment. 

"By providing guidance on best practices and reporting procedures, this policy complements our Inquiry and reinforces our collective commitment to fostering safe educational environments,” she said.

She emphasized that the Inquiry is just the beginning and represents a broader commitment to eradicating sexual harassment in the country’s institutions.

“Education is meant to empower, inspire, and uplift. It is unacceptable that our institutions, which should be sanctuaries of learning and growth, have become places where harassment undermines this mission.”

Voices from ZGC Leadership

Virginia Muwanigwa, ZGC Chief Executive Officer, described the National Inquiry as a critical and long-overdue initiative.

“We are gathered here not merely for a launch, but for a declaration. A declaration that the halls of learning, which should be sanctuaries of intellectual pursuit and personal growth, must no longer be shadowed by the scourge of sexual harassment. We declare today that the era of silence, impunity, and suffering is over,” she said.

“We have heard the whispers in corridors, the distressing stories shared in confidence, and the brave voices that have broken the silence on social media and in courtrooms. We have seen the devastating impact: brilliant young minds dropping out of college, promising careers shattered, and deep psychological scars that last a lifetime. This is not just a violation of personal dignity; it is an assault on our national potential.”

Muwanigwa added that the Inquiry would be “thorough and victim-centred,” creating safe and confidential channels for current and former students and staff to share their experiences.

Vice Chairperson of ZGC, Commissioner Obert Matshalaga, said the launch was not just about naming the problem but affirming the shared value that every student and educator in Zimbabwe has the right to learn, teach, and grow in an environment of safety, dignity, and respect.

Solidarity Remarks

• Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology: Commended the ZGC’s initiative, noting that the findings will provide evidence-based guidance to strengthen internal policies, build capacity, and enhance institutional credibility.
• Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development: Highlighted sexual harassment as a systemic issue rooted in power imbalances and pledged to support institutions in fighting gender-based violence.
• Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ): Called the Inquiry a “monumental step forward,” stressing the need for policies, reporting mechanisms, and survivor support.
• Female Students Network (FSN): Board Chair Kimberly Nyatanga welcomed the Inquiry as a “national commitment to truth-telling and accountability,” pledging to complement government efforts in promoting gender equality.