Harassment is an issue that has been present in our society for far too long. However, despite the fact that many people are aware of its existence, they often do not know what constitutes harassment.
This lack of knowledge can make it difficult to recognize when they are being harassed or when they are inadvertently harassing others. It is time we talk about it: what you did not know was harassment but actually is!
Education Development Center (EDC), a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity, has developed an e-lesson centered on the topic of harassment and ways in which we can put an end to it.
EDC partnered with Mastercard Foundation and its local partner, Akazi Kanoze Access, to implement Building Resilience in TVET through E-Learning (BRITE), which was a two-year project that responded to Rwanda’s commitment to integrating technology in education by providing interactive e-learning digital solutions for the TVET system.
BRITE developed the Students Together on Prevention (STOP) of Sexual Harassment e-lesson, which is accessible on the Rwanda TVET Board and Rwanda Polytechnic Moodle platforms.
The lesson is designed to help youth understand what sexual harassment is, detect the signs of sexual harassment, know their rights to receive support and follow-up, identify ways to prevent sexual harassment and understand how to report a case of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is a well-known form of harassment, but there are still many people who do not understand what it entails.
The e-lesson showcased how sexual harassment can include unwanted touching, comments about a person’s body or sexual behavior, and sexual advances or propositions.
It can occur in the workplace, at school, or in any other setting where people interact. The STOP learning material highlighted how it It is important to note that sexual harassment does not have to be overtly sexual in nature – it can also involve comments or behavior that are meant to be humorous, but which are actually degrading or offensive.
It can have a serious impact on the mental health of the person targeted, as they may feel like they cannot escape the harassment even in their own home.
It is important to note that harassment is not always intentional. Many people may engage in behavior that they do not realize is hurtful or inappropriate.
So, what can we do to prevent harassment? The first step is to educate ourselves about what constitutes harassment, and to be aware of the impact that our words and actions can have on others.
Through the e-lesson you can learn more about sexual harassment detection, laws, rights and responsibilities as well as prevention, evidence, evidence, response and much more, visit the RTB and RP Moodle platform on this link: RTB’s Moodle platform
You can also download the PDF version of the e-lesson:
It is also important to speak out against harassment when we witness it, and to support those who have been targeted by offering them empathy and understanding.
In the workplace, employers have a responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for all employees. This can involve implementing policies and training programs to prevent harassment, as well as taking swift action when incidents do occur.
It is also important for employers to listen to the concerns of their employees and to take steps to address any issues that are brought to their attention.
In schools, teachers and administrators have a responsibility to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students. This can involve educating students about harassment and bullying, as well as implementing policies.
