Sexual harassment and violence in South African schools

Abstract

After 1994 several pieces of legislation were passed in South Africa to ensure equity in education and equal opportunities for all learners. Some shocking reports have indicated that sexual harassment of girls is a serious problem in many of our schools. These girls are denied equal opportunities and effective education in schools as they are subject to pestering by educators and boys. In addition, they are harassed by the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy and emotional pressure, and they are denied their self-respect. The purpose in this article was to determine the nature and extent of sexual harassment and violence in South African schools and to establish how the rights of female learners to equal opportunities and equal treatment could be promoted and protected.