By Patrick Opio
Senior Public Relations Officer
Lira University Council has passed a Policy against Sexual harassment with the perpetrators facing heavy punishments for committing such offense.
The Policy defines Sexual Harassment as Illegal and Creates a Hostile Work and Study Environment by making it Intolerable.
The Policy is now a working document of the University.
What Counts as Sexual Harassment?
Ultimately it is the person on the receiving end of the behaviour who decides whether it is unwanted or offensive.
Physical
-Blocking a person’s movement
-Inappropriate and unwanted touch e.g. of a person/kissing/patting/stroking or rubbing
-Purposefully brushing up against another person
Verbal/Written
-Remarks of a sexual nature about a person’s clothing/behaviour/body
-Sexually explicit statements/questions/jokes/ anecdotes
-Requesting sexual favours
-Coercion into sexual activity by use of threats of punishment.
-Excessive flirting
Non-verbal
-Looking a person’s body up and down
-Making derogatory gestures or facial expressions of a sexual nature
-Frequently following or standing too close to a person on purpose (stalking)
-Whistling or staring in a sexually suggestive/offensive manner
Visual
-Displaying of sexually suggestive objects/pictures/cartoons etc.
-Sharing sexually inappropriate (pornographic) images/videos with co-workers or students.
Cyber harassment
NB: See the attached downloadable Sexual harassment Banners and stickers
