A Survey to Assess the Female Sexual Harassment in the Higher Educational Institutes of Karachi

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the nature and frequency of the exposure of female students to sexual harassment at 
higher educational institutes; and explore the adverse effects of sexual harassment on the victims and coping 
strategies implied by them.  
Background: Sexual harassment, whether at workplace, educational institution, street or leisure is a 
problem gaining increasing recognition in every society. Despite the widespread nature of the problem, 
there are still considerable misunderstandings as well as differences of opinion concerning whether 
particular situations or behaviours are sexually harassing in nature or not. The victim may feel threatened, 
humiliated, harassed, and would interfere with the performance, satisfaction, commitment, and undermine 
security, or create an intimidating environment. 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in ten institutes which included six medical, three 
engineering and one general colleges/universities of Karachi from January 6 to September 30, 2009. 
Patients and Methods: A total 480 female students were conveniently selected from ten different educational 
institutes, and were provided a self administered questionnaire with their consent. The identity of all the study 
subjects was kept secret.   
Results: Out of total 480 female students, 460 i.e. 96% returned the filled questionnaires. Among them, 65% 
reported of sexual harassment of various degrees / levels irrespective of their residential area, appearance and attire. 
These females were harassed by the fellow students (37%), faculty (32%), and strangers (64%) who included 
patients, attendants, visitors and passersby. Although almost all of the participants (98%) wanted a punishment for 
the harassers, yet they (78%) were reluctant to disclose the name / identity of those perpetrators because of the fear 
of exploitation, social taboo, further embarrassment, adverse consequences, and career obstacles.  
Conclusion: Many females were the victim of sexual harassment in various forms. There is a need to sensitize the 
society; and mass awareness programs should be carried out through variety of media.