The Institute for Gender Development Studies recently conducted a Sexual Harassment Prevention and Protection Workshop at The UWI, Mona campus. Professor Diana Fox (standing) smiles proudly as newly trained peer advisors participate in the question-and-answer segment of the workshop.
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus, through its Institute for Gender & Development Studies (IGDS), Mona Unit, concluded a series of workshops in March aimed at empowering students with the tools and knowledge to combat sexual harassment on the campus. The training, which involved 200 students from various backgrounds, was executed with funding support from the British High Commission in Jamaica.
During the month-long initiative, 150 students participated in awareness-building workshops designed to educate them about the importance of understanding and preventing sexual harassment. These workshops highlighted the significance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all students, regardless of gender or disability.
An additional 50 students took their commitment a step further by becoming certified as Sexual Harassment Prevention and Protection Peer Advisors, who are now equipped to offer support to students involved in sexual harassment claims while ensuring adherence to the UWI Mona protocols. The certification process included an intensive series of four sessions held from March 27 to April 4 at Taylor Hall on the UWI Mona Campus.
The newly trained Peer Advisors have also created educational materials, including video and poster messages, to reinforce the critical takeaways from their training. These materials are designed to further spread awareness and are available for viewing on the IGDS Mona Unit’s social media platforms.
Head of IGDS Mona Unit, Dr. Karen Carpenter shared her remarks about the University’s recent accomplishment, "At the IGDS, we recognize that sexual harassment is a common societal issue. This initiative is one of the ways we aim to acknowledge and combat this sensitive matter within the UWI, Mona community and beyond. We are immensely proud of our students who have stepped forward. With the support of the British High Commission, we are making significant strides towards a safer and more inclusive university environment."
These sexual harassment prevention and protection sensitization workshops reflect UWI’s ongoing commitment to fostering a campus culture where all students feel safe, respected, and valued. The university continues to encourage other students to engage in these vital conversations and training sessions.