Parents’ perception on sexual harassment of girls in secondary schools: the case of Ilala municipality, Dar es Salaam.

This study was conducted with the main objective of examining the relationship between parents’ perception on sexual harassment among girls in secondary schools and girls’ dropouts in Ilala municipality in Dar es Salaam. The study employed a qualitative research design. The data collection techniques included in-depth interview, Focus Group Discussion, documentary review and field observations. A total of 61 participants were involved who include teachers and education officer. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. The major findings of the study show that the educated group of parents had more information on sexual harassment while in the uneducated group the knowledge was lower. Nevertheless, the knowledge about sexual harassment does not seem to affect parents’ decision in stopping their daughters from going to school. In fact, educated parents’ have more information and awareness and might react quicker if their daughters are victimized and make sure they study in conducive environments. The study shows that there is no correlation between parents’ education and their decision to withdraw their children from school. Rather their difference is solely on the awareness of the sexual harassment pandemic that is perpetuated against girls. The incidence and harshness of sexual harassment is closely associated with gender. Girls are significantly more likely to encounter harassment in school, although school boys are also recipients of unwanted sexual attention. The findings suggest that parents’ attitudes about sexual harassment are confined within the realm of culture. Thus, there is a need for people to change their attitudes towards students’ sexual relationship. These can be achieved only through the provision of effective sex education that caters for all community members in the society.