Desperate varsity students turn to sex work to survive
"You cannot have students who are not safe at the hands of other students or lecturers." Javu Baloyi, Spokesperson - Commission for Gender Equality
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Lester Kiewit speaks to Javu Baloyi, spokesperson for the Commission for Gender Equality, about their alarming findings after carrying out a study at three campuses which indicates sexual harassment is rife at our institutions of higher learning.
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In a few weeks time, thousands of students will be flooding into universities across the country.
But, a new report by the Commission for Gender Equality shows that a worrying number of students are becoming victims of sexual harassment on campus.
It reveals that new students are particularly vulnerable to those in positions of power, who can influence their quality of life on campus
The study sought to explore students’ perspectives on the factors contributing to the persistence of sexual harassment in higher education institutions.
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"In some of these universities, they end up making them sex slaves, they give them rooms, they sleep with them, hence you see some of these kids dropping out of university."
Javu Baloyi, Spokesperson - Commission for Gender Equality
The research focused on three specific institutions: Nelson Mandela University, North-West University, and Sol Plaatje University.
The study also sought to evaluate the existing measures within these institutions to address sexual harassment and to assess their effectiveness.
"We are aware it's happening and other universities mustn't celebrate to say it doesn't happen there. They are aware that it happens."
Javu Baloyi, Spokesperson - Commission for Gender Equality
"There's a lackadaisical approach in addressing this issue."
Javu Baloyi, Spokesperson - Commission for Gender Equality
Baloyi says the study's findings show that often, members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) are the perpetrators of harassment.
"What we know ourselves the SRC's play an oversight row, that big brother big sister role...SRC role must be scrutinised."
Javu Baloyi, Spokesperson - Commission for Gender Equality
"You cannot have students who are not safe at the hands of other students or lecturers."
Javu Baloyi, Spokesperson - Commission for Gender Equality
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