Sexual Harassment of Female Students in Afghanistan Universities: A Transverse Study

Abstract

Violence against females is a violation of human rights and discrimination, causing physical, sexual, psychological, and economic harm, and involves threats of coercion or arbitrary deprivation of freedom. The goal of this study was to find solutions that speak volumes about the proactive approach toward addressing and mitigating sexual harassment. This study has the potential to drive meaningful change and improve the safety and well-being of women within university settings in Afghanistan. The method used in this study was an online survey containing 19 questions. Overall, 69 students from different universities, most of them from Kabul University of Medical Sciences, participated in the survey. The study shows a high prevalence of harassment among female Afghan university students, with verbal assaults being the most common form and many witnessing only harassments. Participants generally support legal measures against harassment, but fear of identification, blame, or confusion may lead to underreporting or concealment of incidents due to factors like fear of identification or blame. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy, including legal reforms, safe reporting mechanisms, supportive environments, and cultural barriers, to eradicate sexual harassment in academic settings. Sexual harassment is a global issue, particularly prevalent in Afghanistan, but lack of accurate statistics has hindered effective prevention. Surveys and research can provide reliable data, enabling universities to understand the extent of the issue and implement targeted interventions. This proactive approach helps create safer academic environments, highlighting the importance of accurate statistics in addressing sexual assault among female students.