1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Iheke (2010) defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct, comment gesture or contact of sexual nature. Sexual harassment, negatively affects a woman's psychological and physical well-being and or lead to negative job or academic environment-related consequences for her. in the educational environment, the phenomena which normally affect girls and women more than boys and men, has a potential to erode the future of many female students who are mostly the victim but do not have access to any counseling or channels for redress.
Prof. Iheke, says that sexual harassment in universities was not limited to Africa. “It is a global issue” the abuse of power. Iheke (2010) further said the interview showed that sexual harassment had become normalized”, within some universities. Male student assumption about “prostitution” among their female peers” diminished women achievements “she said recent findings by the United Nations suggest that sexual exploitation and abuse within schools is widespread.
Some lecturers and students, however, think otherwise and a family life counselor and lecturer Ejli (2009) said his encounter with female students indicate widespread harassment from male lecturer and points out that some students who are faced with academic challenges sometimes approached lecturers for such favors. Some students who were interviewed on radio station from other institution also confirmed that sexual harassment of female students by male lectures was real.
As a way of helping to curb the issues, Iheke explains why her outfit undertook seminars and programmes on the various campuses to educate female students on their gender and reproductive right. Unsafe abortion among others, to ascertain the certaininty of the claims, the researchers therefore seek to find out the perception of students of ESCET on sexual harassment.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Sexual harassment has become a persuasive issue affecting higher institutions in the country. Many issues affecting higher institutions in the country. Many students who are victims of this harassment were not bold enough to report to the student authorities for fear of being victimized in their examination by the lecturer and therefore most of them suffer in silence.
Many female students have been molested and it has become a cankerworm eating up in our tertiary institutions. Sexual harassment has become “normalized” within some many institutions. Male students' assumption about “prostitution” among their female peers “diminished women's achievements”.
Rapists hovers everywhere looking for their prey, some pretends going to night class in the name of reading but that is not the true definition of their actions.
Female identity had been destiny, they added and explain that “if female fail” this is seen as evidence of their lack of academic abilities and preparedness of higher education. It has been observed that failure to accept sexual advances leads to good grades. These attitudes have negative influence in education. The perceptions of students are hereby sought.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this research work includes the following: Generally the researcher seeks to:
- To identify the causes of sexual harassment of students in higher institution in ESCET.
- To identify the danger of sexual harassment in higher institution in Enugu State College of Education Technical.
- To identify the strategies in which government have employ to curb sexual harassment of students in higher institution.
1.4 Significance of the Study
The finding from this research work will enlighten both the students, lecturers and government to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment in Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET) and the entire society of large to see the need to curb sexual harassment.
Students Should always dres sence at all time that their body will be covered. They should also visit the office of male lectures at the appropriate time to avoid sexual harassment and they should know their right.
Lecturers should not allow students in their offices at old time and be straight forward in grade giving. The controlling of oneself is another thing people should adopt so that in the case of ones exposure especially female student, they will be able to hold themselves because not every thing the eye see it will taste.
Government is the key to every beginning. They are the people a that make law and enforce it to the citizens. When they make law abiding sexual harassment especially to institut6ions, and the society at large and give a sound punishment. I believe that sexual harassment will be curbed.
Finally, the result of this study will suggest ways of achieving optimum educational goals and saving our females from sexual harassment and make them to loss their pride as a woman.
1.5 Research Questions
The study was guided by the following research questions:
- What are the causes of sexual harassment in higher institution in ESCET?
- What are the dangers of sexual harassment in higher institution in Enugu State College of Education (Technical)?
- What are the strategies in which government have employ to curb sexual harassment in higher institution in ESCET?
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is to examine, the perception of sexual harassment of students in higher institution in Enugu College of Education (Technical) and other campuses at large.
1.7 Definition of terms
i. Perception:
The ability to perceive, or the act of perceiving.
ii. Humiliation:
Case to feel ashamed or stupid
iii. Curb:
A check or restraint
iv. Rape:
(of a man) force someone to have sex with him against their will.
v. Molest:
Prefer or harass or sexual assault.
vi. Sexual harassment:
This is an unwelcome conduct, comment gesture or contact of sexual nature, whether or a one time basis or a series of incidents that might cause offence. Limitation, awareness or embarrassment, or that might reasonably be conceived as a condition of sexual nature.
