A few years ago, I had a conversation with a student who looked unusually withdrawn.
After some time, she shared that a senior had been making her uncomfortable — frequent “jokes” about her appearance, unsolicited comments, and an occasional brush on the shoulder that never felt accidental. She wasn’t sure if it was serious enough to report, but the truth is, if it makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s serious enough.
That incident stayed with me because it’s something I’ve seen happen far too often — in schools, colleges, and even workplaces. Sexual harassment doesn’t always appear as a blatant assault; sometimes it hides behind “playfulness” or “just teasing.” But regardless of form, it’s a violation of personal boundaries and respect.
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that causes discomfort, fear, or distress. It can be:
Verbal — comments, jokes, or questions about someone’s body or private life.
Non-verbal — staring, gestures, or sharing explicit materials without consent.
Physical — unwanted touching or invasion of personal space.
Digital — sending inappropriate messages or images online.
Power-related — using authority to pressure someone into unwanted attention or favours.
The harm affects confidence, trust, and the sense of safety every person deserves. Sadly, many victims remain silent due to fear of judgment, retaliation, or disbelief.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few key things about overcoming this issue, both as an educator and as a person who believes in safe environments:
Acknowledge your feelings. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t downplay it.
Speak up or report. Schools and workplaces must have confidential channels — use them. You’re not creating trouble; you’re stopping it.
Support others. If you see someone being harassed, don’t stay silent. A simple “Are you okay?” can make a big difference.
Establish clear boundaries. Respect begins with clarity — everyone deserves personal space and dignity.
Leaders must act. Institutions must move beyond awareness campaigns to build systems that protect and empower.
Sexual harassment thrives in silence. But when we talk about it, report it, and hold people accountable, we begin to change the culture that allows it to exist.
Everyone deserves a space where they can feel safe, respected, and valued.
Because safety isn’t a privilege — it’s a right.
#StopHarassment #SafeSchools #RespectAtWork #Empowerment #SpeakUp
