Experts say sexual harassment perpetuates a cycle of poverty and moral decay, as victims see their academic and professional aspirations derailed. Photo: Courtesy
Network Urges Removal of Anti-Corruption Law’s Section 10(b) Over Fears of Shielding Sexual Offenders.
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Tanzania Network Against Sexual Corruption has issued a strong call for the removal of Section 10(b) from the proposed amendments to the Anti-Corruption Law, arguing that it unjustly targets victims of sexual exploitation under the guise of inducement.
The network, represented by Mary Ndano in a statement delivered on August 14, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, warned that this section would shield perpetrators while further victimizing women, who are the primary targets of sexual corruption.
Ndano emphasized that the inclusion of this section blatantly contradicts international laws, SADC anti-corruption regulations, African Union anti-corruption laws, and the guiding principles of the East African Community, all of which explicitly prohibit sexual corruption.
“As a network committed to opposing sexual corruption, we categorically reject the amendments outlined in Section 10(b) and strongly recommend its complete removal. This section undermines the entire foundation of Section 25 of the Anti-Corruption Law,” Ndano declared.
She further argued that the provision seems more focused on protecting offenders rather than preventing crime and upholding justice. The network urged all legislative bodies, including Parliament, to reject this provision, warning that its inclusion would perpetuate the abuse of power rather than curb it.
Hilda Dadu, another member of the network, raised concerns that the existence of this section would discourage victims from reporting sexual abuse, including sexual corruption, to the authorities. She warned that this could lead to an increase in gender-based violence, with women and children being the primary victims. Dadu called on men to stand in solidarity with women in opposing the passage of this provision, as it could significantly set back the fight against sexual corruption.
Rose Marandu, also speaking on behalf of the network, urged society to unite in condemning such actions, highlighting their detrimental impact on both the economy and society, particularly on the victims. She noted that these acts significantly harm the nation’s economy by leading to the misuse of human resources, thereby undermining efforts to combat poverty.
Marandu remarked that such actions undermine the nation’s integrity by turning justice into favoritism, contrary to ethical work practices and in violation of international and regional agreements that prohibit sexual corruption. She added that these acts strip individuals of their dignity, deny them opportunities to develop their talents, and effectively turn them into sexual slaves, while unqualified individuals gain preferential treatment.
This call to action comes amid a broader context of ongoing sexual misconduct concerns within Tanzania’s institutions, particularly in higher education. In November 2018, a female academic at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr. Vicensia Shule, sparked controversy by tweeting about sexual misconduct at the university.
She was subsequently labeled a whistleblower and summoned before the university’s Ethics Committee, an action that seemed more about silencing the issue than addressing it. Dr. Shule’s bravery in speaking out should be commended, yet it underscores a much larger, deeply ingrained problem—sexual misconduct is pervasive, yet remains shrouded in silence within academic institutions.
Sexual misconduct by university staff is rampant, with studies revealing that over four-in-ten students report experiencing unwelcome sexual advances and assaults, including sexualized comments, inappropriate touching, and even rape. The majority of perpetrators are men, often occupying positions of power over their victims.
Despite the prevalence of such misconduct, university administrations frequently fail to respond appropriately. Victims are often discouraged from reporting incidents, and those who do come forward face a system that is more interested in protecting the institution’s reputation than in delivering justice.
In Tanzania, this issue is alarmingly similar to or perhaps even more severe than in other countries, as evidenced by the reluctance of institutions to take meaningful action. The systemic failure to address sexual misconduct and harassment, particularly in higher education, signals a profound institutional failure. It also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and moral decay, as victims see their academic and professional aspirations derailed.
The need for a robust response to sexual misconduct within Tanzania’s institutions is clear. Universities and other institutions must move beyond protectionist stances and instead take decisive, effective action. This includes implementing policies that not only exist on paper but are actively enforced. Furthermore, there must be a concerted effort to address the culture of entitlement that allows such misconduct to persist. Rigorous selection processes for academic staff, coupled with a zero-tolerance policy that is applied, are crucial steps in this direction.
The onus is particularly on senior female faculty to lead this charge, providing the leadership necessary to bring about real change. Naming and shaming strategies, as seen in other sectors, could serve as a powerful deterrent against potential perpetrators. Consistent communication and sensitization efforts are also essential to reversing this nefarious culture.
Sexual misconduct and gender-based violence in higher education institutions are not merely personal tragedies; they represent a significant barrier to achieving sustainable development goals. As long as these issues remain unaddressed, the potential of countless young people—especially women—will continue to be squandered, and the cycle of poverty and inequality will persist.
“It is imperative that Tanzania’s institutions, particularly its universities, take proactive and bold steps to address sexual misconduct. This requires moving beyond mere rhetoric and protectionist policies to implementing genuine reforms that hold perpetrators accountable and protect the rights and dignity of all individuals. The time for change is now, and the leadership of these institutions must rise to the occasion,” says Dr Shule in one of her tweets.
