Location: Brazil

Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of gender-based violence within Brazilian universities, particularly within the framework of sexual harassment. Despite this, Brazil has a significant research gap, with limited efforts to systematically map the phenomenon, understand its causes and implications, and develop transformative policies. This research project addresses this void by conducting a university-wide mixed-methods study in two prominent Brazilian public universities, namely the Federal University of Minas Gerais and the Federal University of Goiás. The objectives of this research are twofold: (a) to measure the prevalence of physical violence, psychological violence, economic violence, sexual violence, and sexual harassment, and (b) to comprehend the experiences of gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and their impact on mental health, with a focus on unacknowledged aspects affecting individuals from racial/ethnic minorities. The study will involve four participant groups – undergraduate and graduate students, professors, and administrative personnel. By comparing these two universities, situated in different regions with distinct profiles the research aims to identify key forms of gender-based violence, discern likely perpetrators and victims, examine the impact on academic performance, mental health, and general well-being, and assess existing institutional response mechanisms. The research will facilitate the mapping of institutional policy instruments. These instruments are intended to be discussed and potentially adopted by the two academic institutions and will be crucial in fostering long-term transformative change.

Mariana Prandini Assis

Personal Investigator

Cristiano Rodrigues

Co-investigator

Location: Karachi, Pakistan

Despite the existence of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to mitigate campus sexual harassment globally, none have been tailored or implemented within the context of Pakistani universities. This research aims to conduct a formative study in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff at diverse university campuses in Pakistan to select and adapt a contextually appropriate intervention for the reduction of campus SH.

Phase 1 of the study involves qualitative research, including interviews with faculty, and staff as well as focus groups with students. This phase seeks to explore and define the experiences of sexual harassment (SH) at Pakistani universities and identify multilevel factors influencing its prevalence. The socio-ecological framework will be employed to map these factors, including awareness, trust in institutional response, social norms, and leadership investment. In Phase 2, results from Phase 1 will be shared with university advisory boards (UABs), comprised of participants from Phase 1, to identify up to eight EBIs from a campus-based SH prevention interventions inventory. Each EBI will be systematically evaluated on dimensions of acceptability, feasibility, strength of evidence, and cost, before ultimately selecting one to be adapted and manualized. This study aims to facilitate the implementation of interventions targeting SH, offering suggested adaptations to improve feasibility and acceptability within the Pakistani context.

Team

Dr. Seema Laasi

Principal Investigator

Zarmeen Shakil

Irina Bergenfeld

Meroona Gopang

Nirmal Niazi

Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

The project aims to (1) identify manifestations and underlying causes of campus Interpersonal violence (IpV), (2) formulate a student-friendly online module addressing various forms of IpV, (3) assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, and (4) propose institutional policy recommendations for addressing IpV. A multi-step approach will be employed, beginning with online surveys to understand prevalent forms of IpV. Collaboration with a student advisory committee and key stakeholders will inform the development of an interactive online module. Student-led initiatives, including workshops, awareness programs, and town hall discussions, will complement the mandatory online modules. Interventions will be piloted and evaluated using surveys, focus group discussions, and Likert scale assessments. This work will inform policy recommendations and findings will be disseminated nationally and internationally. Reneaux’s team hopes to transform how issues IpV are approached and resolved nationally by proactively introducing comprehensive policies and awareness initiatives.

Team

Dr. Melissa Reneaux

Principal Investigator

Dr. Jayasree Anitha Menon

Yamini Negi

Dr. Veena Krishnan

Location:

Special Region of Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia

The project addresses sexual violence as a manifestation of power abuse, advocating for a comprehensive approach to tackle issues like the gender pay gap, lack of women in leadership roles, and patriarchal curricula. It proposes participatory gender audits, engaging students and staff to uncover and dismantle these hierarchies. While most Indonesian universities have task forces for sexual violence, they often focus on response rather than addressing underlying gender inequalities, leading to underreporting. The project seeks to complement these efforts by encouraging a comprehensive approach to sexual violence prevention without overburdening existing task forces, involving staff and students across various university units. Employing a participatory gender audit methodology rooted in feminist principles, the project engages participants from four universities in Indonesia to develop indicators and tools, prioritizing safety and rights in data collection

Team

Dr. Diah Kusumaningrum

Personal Investigator

Nabilah Nur Abiyanti, M.Phil

Co-investigator

Prof. Poppy Sulistyaning Winanti

Research coordinator

Prof. Yayi Suryo Prabandari

Research Coordinator

Dr. Hempri Suyatna

Research Coordinator

Wijayanti, M.Sc

Research Coordinator