One of the objectives of the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment is “To sensitize the university community about the evils of sexual harassment, thereby engendering a sense of social responsibility and zero tolerance for such behavior”. The Policy outlines “Conducting regular sentization and educational programmes for all members of the university community” as one of its strategies. The Gender Mainstreaming Directorate at Makerere University is mandated to coordinate all the policy implementation organs.
In line with the above, the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate in partnership with the Makerere University Students Guild Ministry of Gender, Ethics and Integrity with support from UN Women Uganda Country Office organised a talent for change contest against sexual harassment for Makerere University students. The talent show was organised in three phases, namely; the auditions stage, the elimination stage and the grand finale. Overall, 60 contestants (as individuals and groups) applied for the contest out of whom, 25 were selected for the elimination stage. The twelve (12) successful contestants for the grand finale performed and shared their innovations with Makerere University staff students and stakeholders on sexual harassment prevention and response on the 11th October, 2019 at the freedom sqaure at Makerere University.
The Grand Finale was also joined by some Uganda’s top artists (Spice Diana, John Blaq and Nina Roz) to entertain and campaign against sexual harassment. The three stages of the Two4One Talent 4 Change against sexual harassment were attended by over 25,000 students, staff, alumi, partners and friends.
Mr. Opio Nobet who presented an original composition titled “Say No To Sexual Harassment” merged the overall winner, Mr. Adwong Innocent and Ms. Ninisima Lucy presented a duo titled “Speechless” and Ms. Akot Gloria Evalyn presnted a poem titled “Kick out Sexual Harassment” and emerged 1st runner up and 2nd runner up respectively.
The Two4One Talent for Change Contest against Sexual Harassment is focused on creating and strengethening students agency in preventing and responding to sexual harassment at Makerere University. The event was organised with funding from Spotlight Initiative, Government of Sweden and UN Women.