KU, Oxfam sign MoU to curb sexual harassment
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Oxfam in Pakistan and the University of Karachi (KU) on Thursday, committing to raise awareness on gender-based violence among students and staff and to curb cases of harassment in educational institutions.
The agreement was signed by KU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid M Iraqi and Oxfam gender specialist Sartaj Abbasi, on behalf of the organisation’s country director Syed Shahnawaz Ali.
Ali underscored the need for making laws and sexual harassment committees more accessible and responsive to victims in educational institutes, who are usually students. He called for increasing awareness of the legal platforms already available to support survivors of assault and take action against the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, Iraqi commended the initiative and claimed it was aimed at sensitising and providing technical support to varsities in order to prevent cases of harassment in educational institutions. Oxfam is working with 20 varsities in Karachi to raise awareness about GBV.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2020.