Knowledge and Experience of Sexual Harassment among Zagazig University Female Students

Background: Sexual harassment is an alarming trend that has increased in recent
years in Egypt.The aim of this research was to evaluate the level of knowledge and
experience of sexual harassment among Zagazig University female students. Subjects and
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Setting: The research was
conducted in the College of Commerce, veterinary College and the College of Nursing,
Zagazig University/Egypt. Simple random sample of 968 students was surveyed between
beginnings of October 2020 to end of February 2021. The study tools were Tool I. A self-
administered questionnaire, it was used to record socio-demographic characteristics,
questions to assess the prevalence of past exposures to sexual harassment and their
frequencies, moreover, items covering all forms of sexual harassment, location, whom to
blame for harassment, impacts, response to sexual harassment, reasons for not asking help
from the police force and causes for harassing a female. Tool II. Questions intended to assess
females’ awareness about sexual harassment. Results: The prevalence of sexual harassment
among students was 87.7% and they were exposed to all different forms of harassment,
staring or leering 439 (51.7%) having the highest form. Transports have the highest location
553(65.1%) and the highest impact of sexual harassment was feeling stressed and confused
464 (54.7%). As well, the major harassment response chosen was keeping silence 500
(51.7%). Furthermore, the reasons for harassing a female were weakness of religious faith
658 (68.0%). Additionally, 69.7% of subjects are having poor knowledge level on definition,
forms, and correct dealing measures with the offender doing harassment and laws in Egypt.
Conclusion: The prevalence of sexual harassment among students was high. Additionally,
the prevalence of knowledge among subjects was very low regarding SH. Recommendations.
The researchers recommend that Egypt support anti-harassment awareness program aimed at
female university students in particular, as well as remedial actions and legislation against
sexual harassment.