Why we exist
The Wits Gender Equity Office (formerly Sexual Harassment Office) was set up in February 2014, following the recommendations of an independent commission of enquiry established by the University during 2013 to find out:
• Whether s*xual harassment and quid pro quo relationships (relationships where something – for example, a good mark - is offered in exchange for s*x) are common
practices at the University;
• Whether staff members and students are aware of the policies and procedures on s*xual harassment and whether they feel comfortable reporting s*xual harassment incidents; and
• Whether the process of addressing incidents of s*xual harassment at the University (this includes the manner in which incidents of s*xual harassment are reported and investigated) is fair, robust, effective and sensitive.
• The Report found that the University’s functions in relation to gender and s*xual harassment were too decentralised and fragmented to offer an effective mechanism of prevention, intervention and accountability. As such, the Report recommended the establishment of a single office institutionally located in the Vice Chancellor’s Office to deal with all matters pertaining to gender discrimination, s*xual harassment and gender violence, from advocacy, through counselling and to complaint-driven interventions including disciplinary hearings, and regardless of involving staff or students. What we are
The Gender Equity Office (GEO) has been designed as an holistic and integrated office that deals with all aspects of s*xual harassment, gender equity and gender discrimination as pertaining to all staff members (academic and support staff, including staff from subcontracted companies) and all students. It is tasked with the following functions:
• Promoting gender equity
• Protecting against gender discrimination
• Developing University policies and enhancing the coordination and understanding of relevant policies;
• Raising awareness of issues and preventative measures around s*xual harassment;
• Providing psychosocial support and/or mediation services to staff members and students who have experienced s*xual harassment; and
• Investigating and prosecuting formal s*xual harassment complaints within the University systems. What s*xual harassment is
Sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct of a s*xual nature, or other unwelcome conduct based on the gender or s*xual orientation of the victim, affecting the dignity of all people working, studying, visiting or living at the University. Sexual harassment includes same-s*x harassment. This conduct can include physical, verbal and non-verbal conduct, as set out in these examples:
Unwelcome non-verbal conduct:
• Gestures
• Indecent exposure
• The display, or sending by electronic or other means, of s*xually explicit pictures or objects
Unwelcome verbal conduct:
• Suggestions or hints of a s*xual nature
• Sexual comments with s*xual overtones
• Sex-related jokes or insults
• Graphic and/or inappropriate comments about a person’s body
• Pressurising someone to go on a date
• Inappropriate inquiries about a person’s s*x life
• Whistling of a s*xual nature
• Sexual advances, s*xual threats
Unwelcome physical conduct:
• Unwelcome touching
• Sexual assault
• R**e
Where to report s*xual harassment and gender discrimination
Although the Gender Equity Office is now the primary office through which the University tackles s*xual harassment, s*xual harassment can be reported to any of the following units, offices and individuals at the University:
• Gender Equity Office (GEO)
• Sexual Harassment Advisory Committee members
• Transformation Office
• Vice Chancellor
• Residence Life
• Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU)
• Student Development and Leadership Unit (SDLU)
• Campus Control
• Dean of students
• Head of schools
• Any lecturer
• SRC
In cases where the Gender Equity Office is not the first point of contact, the other offices will ensure that you receive support and then refer you to the Gender Equity Office. All forms of s*xual harassment are taken seriously by the University and should also be taken seriously by you. During your studies or work at the University, you will be interacting with many peers, colleagues, lecturers, tutors, and others on campus. Some of them could be victims of s*xual harassment and others could be harassers. It is important that you educate yourself about s*xual harassment and take part in activities aimed at eradicating s*xual harassment on campus. For further information, contact the Gender Equity Office.
