Challenges facing school disciplinary committees in addressing student's sexual harassment in Tanzania

Abstract

The study explored the challenges that School Discipline Committees (SDCs) encounter in addressing student sexual harassment in Tanzania. The goal of this study is to identify and analyse the obstacles faced by SDCs in effectively addressing incidents of student sexual harassment. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design was adopted, involving a sample size of 36 participants, including teachers and parents, selected purposefully from three public secondary schools. Data were gathered through individual semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) before being thematically analysed. The findings revealed that the challenges facing SDCs in addressing student sexual harassment include a shortage of teachers, poor understanding of the sexual harassment phenomenon, reporting barriers, lack of awareness, and insufficient training. These challenges often hinder effective policy practices and school responses to student sexual harassment, ultimately compromising student safety and support. In response, the study proposes comprehensive strategies for improvement, including enhanced training programmes for SDC members, clearer reporting protocols, and increased community awareness initiatives. The study recommends that the government, through its responsible ministries, should strengthen the composition of SDCs by stipulating their structure and roles in effectively addressing student sexual harassment in public secondary schools in Tanzania.