Zanzibar launches helpline to curb student sexual corruption

Zanzibar has launched a free helpline number to help curb sexual corruption in institutions of higher learning. Victims and others in related matters may now make a phone call to 116 to the assistant and support. A desk at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) too has been set up for the same purpose.

Government said the new measure will encourage students and others to report sexual corruption cases boldly, without any fear.

The programme is implemented by SUZA and Zanzibar Gender Coalition (ZGC) with the support from Women Fund Tanzania (WFT).

It has been a regular complain that teachers and lecturers demanded sex from students to show favor in report card and give optimum marks to pass exams.

Mwandawa Khamis Mohamed from ZGC said, “We are deeply disturbed by recent reports about teachers and lecturers in universities and other higher learning institutions, seeking sexual favor from their students.”

She also urged students and others to approach the helpline desk or make a phone call to 116 and report against any attempt by University staff to demand sex bribes.

Mohamed added 16 Days of activism was organized this year to discuss sexual corruption.

Asha Aboud from an NGO said she is trying to find out magnitude of the problem as sexual corruption is common in Zanzibar.

She said that no student should be afraid of their professors, lecturers and teachers and all should get equal services from the staff.

Lawyer Amina Talib Ali said sexual abuse is a serious violation of their rights.