Exploring the Causal Factors and the Effects of Sexual Harassment on Female Students at the Universities in Africa. An Overview

Abstract

The reinforcement of male dominance and heterosexuality are often the cause of sexual harassment of female students at the institutions of higher learning across Africa. Drawing from socio-cultural and social exchange theories, female students find themselves in awkward positions to resist condom –use because economically they are dependent on their male partners. This research paper sought to explore the manner in which quid pro quo plays a role in effecting sexual advances between lecturers and female students. Having employed various peer-reviewed articles, books, dissertations and internet journals on sexual harassment as a methodology, the other aim of this paper was to highlight the detrimental effects of sexual harassment on the educational and psychological aspects of females attending tertiary institutions. The findings revealed that victims of sexual harassment including lesbians, suffer from PTSD, neuroticism and most likely to contract sexually transmitted infections. Given the findings of the study, the recommendations are that: unconditional support from the police and those in Health Care Centres be provided; lesbians be respected as well especially in countries such as South Africa where the Section 29 of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, protects the rights of every person regardless of gender and sexual orientation.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p2847