Students at the University of Bunia in Ituri have received training on sexual violence prevention, victims’ rights and reporting mechanisms as authorities and international partners intensify efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence in the region.
The awareness session, held on August 7, brought together 34 university students, including 11 young women, and was organized by the United Nations Police (UNPOL), working with the Congolese National Police (PNC).The initiative focused on helping students understand their rights, identify forms of sexual violence and harassment, and learn about the procedures and support services available for reporting abuse.
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Addressing sexual harassment in education
Organizers emphasized that information and awareness are essential tools for preventing sexual violence and reducing impunity. Victims and witnesses are encouraged to report abuse so that appropriate protection and assistance can be provided.
The discussions also addressed sexual harassment linked to academic benefits, sometimes described as “sexually transmitted grades.” Participants were told that such practices can disproportionately affect young women and undermine their education, personal development and future professional opportunities.
Grâce Balume, Deputy Commissioner of the Congolese National Police responsible for preventing sexual violence, highlighted concerns over individuals in positions of authority exploiting female students in exchange for academic benefits.
Students were also introduced to reporting procedures and mechanisms for accessing support, with organizers encouraging victims and witnesses to break the silence surrounding sexual violence.
Students call for stronger family involvement
Participants said preventing sexual and gender-based violence should extend beyond universities and schools.
Sarah Avuti, a law student at the University of Bunia, called for greater awareness among parents, arguing that prevention should begin within families and continue through educational institutions and communities.
Prevention efforts continue despite Ebola
UNPOL and PNC teams also conduct awareness campaigns in neighborhoods, markets and other public spaces across Bunia.
These efforts involve MONUSCO’s Specialized Police Team on Gender (SPT/Gender) and the PNC’s Child Protection and Prevention of Sexual Violence Unit (EPEPVES).
However, the Ebola outbreak in Ituri has created additional challenges for community outreach activities. Some awareness programmes have been reduced or adapted to minimize health risks.
Organizers said they have been working with local authorities in the Shari, Nyakasanza and Mbunya municipalities to develop smaller-scale awareness activities suited to the current public health environment.
A community-wide responsibility
Prevention actors stressed that combating sexual and gender-based violence requires coordinated action across society, including families, schools, universities, workplaces and public spaces. By strengthening awareness of reporting mechanisms and encouraging victims and witnesses to seek help, the PNC and UNPOL aim to improve community protection and contribute to reducing sexual and gender-based violence in Ituri.