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Wits takes steps against sexual harassment, gender violence on campus

Sexual harassment is prevalent in the workplace, in the public and private sectors, on our campuses across the country and even in our schools.

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, is calling on all students and staff who feel that they may be the victims of sexual harassment by their fellow students or staff members, to consult with the University's Sexual Harassment Advisor, and where necessary to lay formal complaints against alleged perpetrators.

We live in a society plagued with issues related to sexual harassment and gender-based violence. Sexual harassment is prevalent in the workplace, in the public and private sectors, on our campuses across the country and even in our schools.

As an illustration of its responsibility, Wits University has taken several steps in the last six months to counter sexual harassment and gender based violence on its campuses:

1.    In 2012, the University proactively instituted a campus-wide inquiry into sexual harassment and it is encouraging the Wits community to participate in this process

2.    Wits has a zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment (click here for policy) and views all matters related to sexual harassment in a very serious light

3.    The University is committed to investigating all complaints of sexual harassment in line with its policies, processes and procedures and where necessary, to take the appropriate action

4.    It regularly holds awareness campaigns to advise students and staff of its Sexual Harassment and Social Justice policies and processes  (through regular workshops, induction meetings, student peer advocacy programmes, campus media, events, etc). Last Thursday, it participated as Wits Rising as part of the One Billion Rising campaign, where it made a public commitment to bring to the fore, and to tackle sexual harassment and gender based violence on campus with vigour.

All students and staff who feel that may be the victims of sexual harassment by their fellow students or staff members are advised to consult with the University's Sexual Harassment Advisor, Maria Wanyane on +27 11 717-9144.

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