Sexual corruption: A witch that discriminates not

DAR ES SALAAM: VARIOUS stakeholders in gender equality and rights liken sexual corruption to a witch—discriminating against no one. While women are often the primary victims, men and children are also affected across numerous sectors, including politics, transportation, education and even some faith-based institutions.

On November 3, 2021, Jamii Forum highlighted that the health sector is rife with sexual harassment, impacting school and college girls and women seeking confidential abortion services when finances are insufficient.

This reveals that women, particularly college students and those in field practice in newsrooms, frequently face demands for sexual favours from unethical lecturers, trainers and others in various fields, including newsrooms when seeking internships or information.

The issue extends to those seeking abortions due to sexual coercion. In a statement to journalists on August 31, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Rebecca Gyumi, Director of the Msichana Initiative, emphasised that sexual corruption is indiscriminate, affecting everyone—from individuals seeking services to politicians and students in educational institutions.

Stakeholders argue that sexual corruption, unlike consensual sex work where terms are mutually agreed upon, operates without boundaries and discrimination.

According to the Anti-Corruption Act No. 11 of 2007, Section 25, soliciting or offering sexual favours for employment, promotion, or services is punishable under the Economic Sabotage Act, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both. Addressing gender-based violence in educational institutions and workplaces, particularly affecting female students, the Tanzania Police Force launched the ‘Tuwaambie Kabla Hawajaharibiwa’ campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness and empower students to recognise and report signs of gender-based violence, including sexual corruption.

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Dr Christina Onyango, Coordinator of the training for police officers in the Ilala Police Special Zone, notes that the campaign will focus on understanding, impact and prevention of gender-based violence, with a special emphasis on sexual corruption in intermediate and higher learning institutions.

Human rights and gender equality advocates assert that victims of sexual harassment, including employees and students during internships, often refrain from reporting incidents due to fear of retaliation or job security concerns.

Mary Ndaro of the Network Against Sexual Harassment in Tanzania highlights that students and employees facing such issues often encounter numerous barriers to reporting, such as fear of academic or job repercussions.

Pastor Kizitto Noya of Ebenezer Gospel Church (Kisima cha Uzima), Kijichi, Dar es Salaam, views sexual corruption as a sin that taints the ‘Temple of God’ with selfindulgence. He urges victims to be courageous in defending their rights and reporting to appropriate authorities to ensure justice and safety.

Dr Rose Reuben, Executive Director of TAMWA, states: “The primary victims of sexual corruption in newsrooms are those seeking internships, volunteers and new employees.” A recent TAMWA study revealed that 48 out of 100 journalists without formal employment reported experiencing sexual harassment in media organisations—a severe issue.

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According to a 2020 research report by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) on Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutions, including the University of Dar es Salaam and the University of Dodoma, causes of sexual corruption in universities include inadequate student services such as housing and loans, as well as unprofessional employment practices.

Some believe that threats from certain lecturers and the complacency of some female students contribute to the perpetuation of sexual corruption in universities.

However, Martha Malyi, Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Public Communication at Tumaini University Dar es Salaam (DarTU), explains that regulations at some universities, including hers, require lecturers to declare any romantic or marital relationships with students.

The university then arranges for the lecturer not to teach the student’s class until graduation. Sexual corruption in media organisations can disrupt promising journalists’ careers, leaving only those who secure positions through corruption despite limited professional abilities. One source notes: “Sexual corruption in media schools and newsrooms diminishes efficiency and productivity, accelerates the spread of sexually transmitted infections and severely impacts the mental health of victims, leading to unsafe abortions.”

Dr Rose adds: “Hiring and promoting employees acquired through sexual corruption, rather than on merit, results in reduced productivity and financial losses for media organisations. It also contributes to the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, incurring costs for treatment and even funerals.” Many experts suggest that establishing a gender desk in every journalism school or college could be a key measure to combat sexual harassment and other forms of abuse.

Proper education on the desk’s functions and how to collect evidence against such offences could be vital in this effort. Salome Kitomari, Chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISATAN), emphasises the importance of empowering trainee journalists to recognise their own value and maintain independence.

She argues that by doing so, students can avoid situations where they might be exploited or seen as sexual objects. Nancy Macha, Coordinator of the Gender Desk at Dar es Salaam University of Technology (DarTU), highlights that for students to report abuse effectively in universities and newsrooms, they need assurance of their safety and confidence that their concerns will be taken seriously.

“Many are reluctant to report due to shame and uncertainty about their safety in their work or academic environment,” she notes. Both Nancy and Salome recommend that newsrooms and universities implement clear policies, guidelines and rules regarding sexual misconduct and other forms of gender-based violence.

These policies should be prominently visible to everyone involved. Danford Kitwana, DarTU Practical Training Manager, shares that he has heard from several students about troubling experiences in some newsrooms.

He reports that if a female student refuses to engage in sexual relations, her professional opportunities might be compromised and some victims are even promised a byline in exchange for compliance.

“Without a strong societal value system, some lecturers and newsroom leaders exploit students, which is dangerous morally, health-wise, academically and psychologically,” says Kitwana, who is also an assistant lecturer at DarTU. The consequences of sexual harassment for university students, including those studying journalism, often include emotional distress and a decline in academic focus.

Mary Kafyome, Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Arts and Communication at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), explains that many students do not report incidents of sexual misconduct due to uncertainty about where to report or fear of academic repercussions.

“Others worry that those demanding sexual favours might jeopardise their academic performance,” Kafyome says. She also notes that the lack of supportive and confidential reporting channels contributes to the silence and secrecy surrounding these issues. Kafyome advocates for gender desks in colleges to offer education on the nature and implications of sexual misconduct, evidence gathering and reporting procedures. “There should be confidential methods for reporting such incidents and posters should be displayed to make it clear that sexual misconduct is unacceptable at the institution,” she suggests.

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Furthermore, Kafyome stresses the importance of gender desks collaborating with organisations that oppose violence, such as Tamwa, the Tanzania Gender Network (TGNP), and the Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA). Such partnerships could enhance educational efforts and support for students.

A recent report by the National Committee for the Study of Education and Culture underscores the need for increased vigilance among college students. It urges students to focus on their studies, uphold moral values, resist manipulation, break their silence when their rights are threatened and take appropriate action when those rights are compromised.