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Abstract

This paper is an outcome of an empirical research study conducted in November 2007 and April 2008 to analyse the extent and factors contributing to sexual harassment in the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College. The study set out to answer some of the following research questions: (1) how does the Chancellor College community understand sexual harassment? (2) What are the extent, nature and forms of sexual harassment in Chancellor College? (3) In which ways are sexual harassment complaints handled? (4) What are the contents of institutional policies and procedures that focus on sexual harassment? Despite such a properly outlined purpose of this research, there were several challenges that emerged which this paper attempts to highlight. Specifically, there was a low response rate for the questionnaires administered but an overwhelming positive response to individual and focus group discussions. In other words, the qualitative approach was welcomed while the quantitative approach did not achieve its purpose. This paper discusses the reasons for such a discrepancy and the effect of such an anomaly on the paper’s overall goal. Apart from these challenges, the paper also briefly shares some of its findings derived from a qualitative assessment and organisational records of the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College.

Author Biography

Happy Mickson Kayuni, University of Malawi. Political & Administrative Studies Dept.

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