Experiences of women in higher education: a study of sexual harassment at selected universities in Lesotho

Abstract

There are various breaches of women's rights and violations in Lesotho and it does not recognize them as significant problems. High rates of sexual harassment, frequently committed by professors and other students, have a negative impact on the academic performance. In addition, the under-reporting of this type of violence, particularly sexual violence, makes it difficult to determine the true prevalence of the different forms of it at HEIs. Owing to under-reporting, and consequently low numbers of officially reported incidents of sexual violence, HEIs may perceive that sexual violence is not a major issue at their institution and consequently argue that it does not require a concerted institutional response. This system has been created to deny women access to education.