Reversed Roles? Sexual Harassment of Male Students by Female Colleagues

Abstract

Sexual harassment of male students by female colleagues is on the rise in institutions of higher learning. This paper explores the various forms of sexual harassment that the male students experience in the hands of their female colleagues. Interviews were held with a selected sample of male students from a university in Kenya. Findings indicate that sexual harassment has shifted from the traditional indecent exposure, to unwanted sexual remarks, forced sexual contact, and sexual messages and pictures sent through phones or even e-mail. There is need for institutions to sensitize male students on what sexual harassment is, and how and where to seek for professional help. Institutions also need to work towards nurturing harassment-free campuses for all.