On the 4th of June 2025, Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI) proudly participated in the official launch of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy for Higher and Tertiary Education Institutions (HTEIs) at the Management Training Bureau (MTB) in Harare. The event, led by Ambassador Frederick Shava, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, marked a bold step forward in protecting students and staff from sexual harassment across Zimbabwe’s academic spaces.
This groundbreaking policy sets out a national framework to guide how all HTEIs prevent, respond to, and address sexual harassment. From providing clear definitions and zero-tolerance expectations to establishing survivor support systems and confidential reporting mechanisms, the policy is a powerful tool in promoting dignity, safety, and justice on campus.
Ambassador Shava stressed that while some institutions had tried to create their own policies, many lacked the systems and consistency needed to truly protect students. This national policy will fill those gaps and serve as a benchmark that all institutions must align with.
“This is a milestone towards building a culture of equality, dignity, and respect,” said Ambassador Shava.
Collaborative Power for Change
The development of this policy was made possible through collaboration between the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, ECOZI, the United Nations, UNESCO, and the Swiss Development Cooperation. Their financial and technical support ensured that the policy reflects global best practices and aligns with the Zimbabwean Constitution, CEDAW, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 & 5).
In her remarks at the event, Ms. Wadzanayi Chitiga, ECOZI’s Programmes Manager, celebrated the launch, saying:
“This is a win for us. Students are now protected because there is a clear standard with definitions and mechanisms to deal with perpetrators.”
What the Policy Covers
The new policy outlines:
- Comprehensive definitions of sexual harassment – including verbal, physical, digital, and psychological abuse
- Zero-tolerance for all forms of misconduct
- Safe and confidential reporting channels
- Support services for survivors, including counselling and protection
- Clear disciplinary processes
- Mandatory awareness campaigns and trainings
- Monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress
ECOZI’s Continued Commitment
ECOZI’s participation in this landmark event reflects its continued mission to promote safe and inclusive learning environments. As an education-focused coalition working with learners, teachers, and policy makers, ECOZI sees this policy as not just a document but a movement. A movement toward building institutions where no learner or educator suffers in silence.
