A comparative analysis of sexual harassment policies at selected higher education institutions in South Africa

Abstract

This article investigates sexual harassment issues by means of an in depth literature review and by analyzing and comparing the sexual harassment policies of selected universities in South Africa. Various alternatives that categorize sexual harassment are proposed in order to form a clear perspective on the different viewpoints that currently exist in this regard. The Authors investigate literature on policy and show that the development of a policy should not be viewed as a non-recurrent process. A uniquely designed checklist is presented which could be employed by higher education institutions to evaluate their existing policies and/or to serve as a tool to develop their own policies. In addition an in-depth comparative analysis of the existing sexual harassment policies at eight South African universities is done to reveal their desired characteristics as well as their shortcomings. Authors conclude with general findings and recommendations.


South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.17(2) 2003: 197-205