Science Journal of Psychology
January 2014, Volume 2014, ISSN:2276-6278
© Author(s) 2014. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research Article
A Survey to Assess the Female Sexual Harassment in the Higher Educational Institutes of Karachi
Dr.Zulfiqar Sheikh1, Dr.Fahmida Khatoon2, Shiza Batool2, Maria Mushtaq3, Farha Siddiqui4
Associate Professor , Department OF Community Medicine.Dow Medical Univesity1,
Lecturer,Northern Boarder University, KSA2,
PhD Schollar,PMAS,Arid AgricultureUniversity,Rawalpindi3,
Lecurer ,Northern Boarder University, KSA4
Accepted 8 January, 2014; Available Online 17 January, 2014
doi: 10.7237/sjpsych/259
Abstract:
Objectives: To determine the nature and frequency of the exposure of
female students to sexual harassment at the higher educational institutes;
and also to explore the adverse effects of sexual harassment on the victims
and coping strategies implied by them.
Background: Sexual harassment, whether at workplace, educational
institution, street or leisure is a problem gaining increasing
recognition in every society. Despite the widespread nature of the
problem, there are still considerable misunderstandings as well as
differences of opinion concerning whether particular situations or
behaviours are sexually harassing in nature or not. The victim may
feel threatened, humiliated, harassed, and would interfere with the
performance, satisfaction, commitment, and undermine security, or create
an intimidating environment.
Subjects and Method: A total 480 female students were conveniently
selected from ten different educational institutes, and were provided a self
administered questionnaire with their consent. The identity of all the study
subjects was kept secret. They were given a definition of harassment for their
ease. The study was conducted from January 6 to September 30, 2009. The
data were analysed by using SPSS version 15.
Results: Out of total 480 female students, 460 i.e. 96% returned the filled
questionnaires. Among them, 76% reported of sexual harassment of various
degrees / levels irrespective of their residential area, appearance and attire.
These females were harassed by the fellow students (20%), faculty (30%),
and strangers (50%) who included patients, attendants, visitors and
passersby. Although almost all of the participants (98%) wanted a
punishment for the harassers, yet they (78%) were reluctant to disclose the
name / identity of those perpetrators because of the fear of exploitation, social
taboo, further embarrassment, adverse consequences, and career obstacles.
Conclusion:Many females were the victim of sexual harassment in various
forms. There is a need to sensitize the society; and mass awareness programs
should be carried out through variety of media.
Keyword:Sexual harassment, females, gender discrimination, educational institutes.