Round Table discussion on Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy in Education Institution: Implementation and Challenges

Amrai Pari Paribarik Nirjaton Jot (WE CAN) organized a roundtable discussion on Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy in Educational Institutions: Implementation and Challenges with the collaboration of UN Women and Global Affairs Canada under the 'Combating Gender Based Violence' project," In the discussion meeting, the experiences, observations and initiatives of WE CAN in implementing the High Court's policy to prevent sexual harassment through the guidelines 'Whole of School Approach' were discussed.

Professor Mahfuza Khanam, educationist, social worker and children's organizer was present as guest of honor at the event. UN Women Bangladesh representatives and respected teachers from Jahangirnagar University, Comilla University, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Government Azizul Haque College, Bogra, Comilla Victoria College, Patuakhali Government College and Bogra Polytechnic Institute were present in the event. Besides, students of 18 universities and educational institutions and women's rights activists of various organizations were also present in the event.

Key Sharing:

• Many of the educational institutions formed a complaint committee, but the members of the committee are not informed on that issue.
• Most of the members of the committee are supposed to be women, but in reality, there are not.
• Only a few universities submit an annual report to the University Grant Commission on sexual harassment prevention.
• The concept of sexual harassment among students, teachers, officers, and employees is inadequate and traditional. 
• Need proper training from the University Grant Commission
• Since there is no policy on online or digital harassment, these issues are difficult to resolve.
• Teachers do not have a clear idea of prevention of sexual harassment.
• Need more human resources for proper monitoring
• The monitoring system against sexual harassment in polytechnic institutes is inadequate.