Peer Sexual Harassment in Zimbabwe State Universities: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring and understanding undergraduate female students’ experiences of sexual harassment by male peers on and around university campuses. The hegemonic masculinity perspective and the socio-cultural model combined to inform the study. The population of the study consisted of a purposive sample of 20 female undergraduate students in two state universities. Qualitative in-depth interviews were done to obtain understanding of how peer sexual harassment was experienced by undergraduate female students. Data was collected through one-on-one audio recorded semi-structured interviews. Analysis of data was conducted using a narrative approach. Peer sexual harassment, perpetrated by male students, was a reality in the lives of female undergraduate students. Female students were raped. Sexual intercourse was taking place in the presence of female roommates. Videotaping of sexual encounters occurred without the knowledge of female partners. Sexual harassment of female students took place after female students had taken spiked drinks and drugged biscuits during welcome bashes. Unwanted, unwelcome and inappropriate touching of buttocks, breasts, thighs and in between the legs was experienced by female students. Unwanted kissing of female students was taking place. Verbal remarks of a sexual nature were directed at female students. The need for universities to invest their efforts in addressing the problem of peer sexual harassment cannot be over emphasized. Despite the fact that sexual harassment of female undergraduate students was taking place at the two state universities, victims seldom reported. Undergraduate female students need to be empowered to become more aware of the nature and extent of sexual harassment. A decrease in peer sexual harassment incidences is realizable if universities improve aspects of their climate and culture. The need for counselling to mitigate the negative impact of peer sexual harassment cannot be over emphasized.