Stop sexual harassment at educational institutions

Sexual harassment against female at educational institutions has become a common phenomenon in recent years, with reports coming in from around the country. This indicates a dangerous upward trend that has become a serious cause for concern for all of us. According to the research of the Population Council, as many as 76 per cent of the teenage girls in Bangladesh have experienced various incidents of sexual abuse in their educational institutions. Schools, colleges and universities should have been safe places for students.
However, it is unfortunate that female students are subjected to sexual harassment by the institution staff, teachers and even by their classmates. As a result, female students spend their days on the campus of their educational institutions in fear of being harassed. As a result of this, a female student often loses her focus on studies. Due to disgrace, fear and social stigma, many girls are forced to attempt or even commit suicide.
The government has enacted several laws and rules to protect girl students from sexual abuse but they have not been properly implemented. This is why incidents of sexual violence are on the rise. Concern is growing among parents about this rising trend. However, not all incidents of sexual harassment are reported. It is thought that the actual number of incidents could be several times higher. It must be admitted that the occurrence of sexual abuse is having a severe impact on the psyche of schoolchildren, whose natural mental growth is greatly hampered. Coordinated initiatives should be taken to raise awareness about sexual harassment at all levels, especially at educational institutions.

Md. Istiaq Hossain Mojumder,
Student of Department of Finance,
University of Chittagong, Chattogram,
[email protected]