HERS-EA in collaboration with Center for Gender in Global Context - Michigan State University (GenCen) and Makerere University held two virtual pre-Academy workshops to address issues of sexual harassment in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and importance of male allyship.
In April 2023, the Sexual Harassment workshop was facilitated by Dr. Tabitha Mulyampiti and Ms. Susan Mbabazi from Makerere University, Uganda, and Ms.Naomi Lumutenga from HERS-EA. The workshop attracted 17 participants from Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The event facilitated open discussions on the challenges faced by participants in their institutions, highlighting the lack of sexual harassment policies and inadequate implementation where they existed.A key insight was the need for active male involvement in policy advocacy, with an emphasis on data collection and research to protect victims and unmask perpetrators. The workshop's outcome includes the potential production of a short documentary on sexual harassment in HEIs.
In May 2023, a Male Allyship workshop, led by Dr. Kevin Brooks from Lakehead University in Canada and Mr. Eric Tumwesigye from Makerere University in Uganda, gathered 14 participants from five institutions across East Africa.Focused on understanding systems of inequality and fostering male allyship, the workshop aimed to develop a culture of equity through advocacy and accountability. Participants gained knowledge on sexual harassment, male privilege, and the importance of addressing gender inequalities in recruitment,retention, and promotion. The workshop encouraged participants to create gender accountability systems at personal, community, and institutional levels. The anticipated outcome involves cross-institutional interventions and bench marking to address gender inequalities, with participants expected to report on the impact of gained knowledge within six months.