Stakeholders are raising concerns about the increasing effects of gender-based violence (GBV) on students on various tertiary institution campuses, calling for stronger collaboration in protecting students, especially female students, from such incidents.

According to them, women are the most affected by GBV, often unable to open up or report cases due to stigma and confidentiality issues.

Speaking at a Gender-Based Violence Awareness Programme on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the IDL Conference Center at KNUST, Mrs. Victoria De-Graft Adjei, Deputy Registrar and Head of the KNUST Counseling Center, emphasised the importance of raising awareness of GBV among students.

She highlighted the stigma and societal misconceptions surrounding GBV and noted that women’s lives are often shattered and left stagnant after such incidents, while men tend to recover more quickly.

She called for collaborative efforts to intensify awareness and encourage women to speak up in GBV cases so they can receive the necessary support and assistance.

“People face numerous challenges when it comes to reporting harassment, largely due to stigma and the way we are socialised. Men are often seen as assertive and able to defend themselves, while women are expected to be quiet and submissive. This affects their confidence levels,” she said.

Adding, “When a woman reports harassment, people question what she wore or why she was there, but none of that justifies sexual abuse. More often than not, it is women who suffer emotionally and psychologically, not to say men don’t, which is why we must work together to prevent such incidents.”

On his part, Mr. Jonathan Osei Owusu, Founder and Executive Director of the Perfecter of Sentiments (PoS) Foundation, expressed concern about the rising cases of GBV and sexual harassment on university campuses.

He attributed the issue to ignorance and a lack of understanding of what constitutes harassment, as well as the low level of seriousness attached to such incidents.

He stressed the need for education and sensitisation to help prevent such occurrences on various campuses.

“We’ve observed that many harassment and GBV incidents on campuses stem from the patriarchal nature of our society and general ignorance. The Foundation embarked on this initiative to educate students and create much-needed awareness,” he stated.

Mr Owusu commended KNUST for its sexual harassment policy and the establishment of a Gender Center, applauding the university’s robust system for addressing harassment and GBV.

He urged other institutions to emulate KNUST’s example to promote student growth and development.

The programme was organised by KNUST’s Directorate of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Perfecter of Sentiments (PoS) Foundation, with funding from AmplifyChange.

It forms part of efforts to engage and empower students and stakeholders on the critical issue of gender-based violence and to foster a safer, more inclusive university environment.