By Fredrick Odiero
Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) leaders have expressed concern that many female teachers suffer in silence from sexual violence and harassments in their workplaces.
Speaking in Kisumu during A Stakeholders’ Forum, the Association’s National Chairperson Mrs Dorothy Muthoni and the CEO Ms Benter Opande said Kenyan teachers aren’t equipped with sexual safety skills to enable them handle sexual safety issues.
Ms Opande noted that several cases of violence and harassment against teachers have gone unreported.
“Both formal and informal evidence show that sexual harassment exists in learning institutions,” she said.
She added that there have been cases of head teachers and other educational officers extending sexual demands with promises of promotions or transfers.
“Teachers who fail to comply have suffered dire consequences such as disciplinary actions or being transferred to schools in remote areas,” she said.
Opande said sexual safety curriculum needs to be developed in all teacher training institutions, diploma colleges and universities.
She urged teachers to openly talk about sexual harassment and what they have gone through as part of healing.
‘KEWOTA calls upon female teachers to speak out in case of incidences where they are being sexually harassed,’ she said.
Opande said the lobby has embarked on a countrywide sensitization programme on the matter.
She said there is need for a clear need for policy framework on sexual harassment that defines, prohibits and carries penalties for acts committed by anyone.
“If this isn’t done, all our efforts will pale into insignificance and fighting this menace will prove more challenging,” she explained.
Opande advised teachers to acquaint themselves with the Teachers Service Commission Code of Regulations.
“Many teachers have in the past been interdicted for not having the right information contained in the code of ethics,” she noted.
She pointed out that though the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have code of ethics, they have not been effective in teacher protection.
She expressed concern that mental health issues have led to a rise in suicide cases among teachers.
“Many teachers have lost their lives due to depression,” she sadly noted.
Opande noted that the trend would escalate if nothing is done.
The CEO said there is need for mental wellness awareness to be enhanced among teachers as a move to address the menace.
Opande said KEWOTA, in collaboration with other partners, will roll out supporting sports activities in counties to help teachers overcome mental health issues.
“Two months ago, we announced plans to start sports for teachers across the counties. We want them to go through their normal duty in an environment where they can express themselves,” she said.
The CEO said the planned sports activities will go up to the national level.
KEWOTA made a passionate appeal to the government to allocate more capitations to special needs schools.
“The schools are faced with a myriad of challenges due to limited funding from the exchequer,” she noted, adding that the schools also require more equipment compared to formal ones.
Opande called upon potential members to join the association.
The association’s treasurer Jacinta Ndegwa said they have a full-fledged running micro finance department.
She added that they also offer insurance services ranging from life to property.
“We also have a medical cover for members as well as table banking services,” she added.
All the officials dismissed claims that they are a union and added that their membership is open to men as well.
