Tackling sexual harassment

Many women face problems when it comes to sexual harassment. Usually, when the stories are shared with others, they seem to be small matters, but they can eat at the heart of the woman to the point that she feels depressed discovers what others do to avoid letting the challenges affect their lives.

When Tawina Kamanga, a crop scientist, first applied for a master’s programme at Bunda College, little did she know that she would be faced with sexual harassment which would even force her to drop out of school.

“In August 2001, I got admitted into a master’s programme at Bunda College of Agriculture to study weed science and crop protection. Unfortunately, about six months into the programme, I became a victim of gender-based violence in a student/supervisor relationship. I endured for slightly over six months hoping that things would get better. I withdrew in September 2002 and went back to work full -time while praying and hoping that I would have a second chance to do my master’s,” said Kamanga.

But as women, how would you overcome challenges posed to you through your sex.

From experience, Kamanga says when she faces challenges with a gender dimension, most of  which unfortunately are, she reminds herself that she is not the problem, but it is because of her sex.

“If I were born male, I would be spared. I cannot change this, but I can manage my attitude — be positive,” she says.

She also noted that networking with other women and sharing experiences also help her overcome these challenges.

“I have information networks, influence networks as well as support networks. My support networks include my family, my husband and friends. When I am down, they give me a shoulder to lean on. I always go home to the warmth of my husband’s tender love and care. This keeps me going amid the storm,” she shares.

She says her time spent volunteering to improve the socio-economic status of rural households especially those that are female-headed is also a relief.

“I work with adolescent girls and youths to initiate and coordinate asset-based development programmes that promote community self-reliance. And I am always focused in everything I do because I have a clear vision of what I want to achieve in life. In short, I have four drivers, namely positive attitude, networks, volunteerism and focus. And that is how I get through the challenges I face in my current job.”

Kamanga, just like other women, noted that she is often a victim of resentment and lack of appreciation even where it is obvious credit was due.

According to working.com independent, assertive women with leadership qualities are often a company’s top performers.  But a recent research revealed that women with these traits are more likely to be sexually harassed.

And of all the difficulties faced by women who take leadership positions or roles, sexual harassment — sexual comments, unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion — is the most distressing, taking a harder toll on morale than office gossip or snide comments.

That’s because the personality traits of independence, assertiveness and leadership that are considered successful in the business world are often viewed as “masculine” characteristics.