22/07/2026
STRENGTHENING THE PREVENTION OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION, ABUSE AND HARASSMENT (PSEAH) AND RESPONSE MECHANISMS IN HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS IN MALAWI.
The Safeguarding and PSEAH Centre of Excellence at the Initiative for Community Development Services (INCOS) successfully delivered an Effective SEAH Misconduct Investigations Training for lecturers serving on the Internal Complaints and Investigations Management Committee at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).
The hands-on training equipped participants with practical skills to conduct ethical, survivor-centered investigations into Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH). Through interactive sessions and real-life case exercises, participants strengthened their ability to gather evidence, conduct professional interviews, manage confidential information and prepare fair, objective and credible investigation reports.
Speaking during the training, Professor Ishmael Kosamu, MUBAS Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chairperson of the Internal Complaints and Investigations Management Committee, described the training as timely and essential for strengthening the university's safeguarding systems.
"As a university, we have a responsibility to ensure that every student and member of staff learns and works in an environment that is safe, respectful and free from all forms of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment. This training has enhanced our committee's capacity to handle complaints professionally, fairly and with a survivor-centered approach, thereby strengthening confidence in our institutional response mechanisms," said Professor Kosamu.
One of the participants, Dr. Flemmings Ngwira, a member of the committee, said the practical nature of the training had equipped participants with valuable investigative skills.
"The practical sessions gave us a deeper understanding of how to conduct survivor-centered interviews, manage evidence and prepare comprehensive investigation reports while maintaining confidentiality and fairness. The knowledge gained will strengthen the way we discharge our responsibilities as committee members," he said.
INCOS Safeguarding and PSEAH Centre of Excellence Team Leader and SEAH Investigations Trainer, Kennedy Mwalwanda, emphasized that effective investigations are central to institutional accountability and survivor protection.
"This training represents a significant milestone in strengthening institutional accountability within Malawi's higher education sector. Effective SEAH investigations require more than knowledge of policies, they demand professionalism, empathy, ethical conduct and adherence to survivor-centered principles. Through this training, we are strengthening institutions to respond to complaints with integrity, protect survivors, ensure procedural fairness and build trust in reporting systems," said Mwalwanda.
Guided by the principles of confidentiality, fairness, accountability, respect, non-discrimination and a survivor-centered approach, the training reinforces MUBAS' commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all students and staff.
At INCOS, we believe that stronger institutions begin with stronger safeguarding systems. By investing in the capacity of investigation committees, we are contributing to safer campuses, improved institutional accountability and greater confidence in reporting mechanisms.
Together, we can advance safeguarding and end Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment in our institutions of higher learning.
