Held under the theme: “Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment on Campus,” the event which is part of the “Be heard, be right, be safe” Project, aims to empower women for leadership roles while also creating space for men to learn and actively participate in promoting gender equality.

In her remarks, the Head of Economics and Law at MUBAS, Eva Mfutso Bengo, said the discussion was organized to provide a platform for both women and men to openly share experiences and concerns related to gender-based violence.

“We are encouraging people to speak up and not suffer in silence. Everyone has a right to be heard and to be safe. Counselling provides a space for speaking out without being judged or questioned,” she said.

She added that promoting legal literacy is a prerequisite for social change.

She assured students that the university has put in place measures curb all sexual exploitation through the enactment of the MUBAS Policy on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) of 2023.

Speaking in an interview, one of the guest speakers, Khumbo Bonzoe Soko, said sexual harassment in university campuses requires a change in attitude and culture.

“It’s high time we shift our attitude towards sexual harassment which has been treated like any other issue. Universities should invest in creating safe spaces and support systems and ensure perpetrators face consequences,” Soko said.

Mary Lee, a second-year Bachelor of Laws student, described the session as timely and impactful.

She called for more such engagements, saying that university students, are particularly vulnerable to GBV.

“There should be more of these sessions because they are highly relevant to us students. Thank you to the department for organizing this important discussion,” she said.

The project is being funded by the Association of Commonwealth Universities, ACU and it attracted members of staff, students and the general public.