Perceived Forms, Prevalence and Consequences of Gender Based Violence: The Case of Hawassa University Female Students

Abstract

This study aims to assess the prevalence and types of gender based violence at the five campuses of Hawassa University among female students. Using self administered questionnaires and structured interviews, and focused group discussions we determined the prevalence and types of gender based violence at the 5 campuses. The data obtained from the questioners was analyzed using soft ware statistical package of SPSS and the significance tests were carried out using Chi-square test. The most frequently observed violence in the campuses were pushing or tripping; grabbing breasts, buttocks and pinching; offensive verbal and sexual comments; and twisting earlobes and pilling hair. Compared with teachers and administrative workers of the university, male students had committed gender based violence in a greater proportion. The study also revealed measures taken by the university on perpetrators to mitigate the problem and help survivors were not sufficient and effective. Even though, female students of the university have good perception towards gender based violence, most of their responses towards gender based violence were ineffective. Based on the findings it is recommended that the university has to develop (adopt) clear policy on sexual harassment and clearly communicate it to the students, academic staff, and office workers every year. In addition, the university should including strict rules and explicit penalty/sanction statement for each kind of violence in the policy.