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EOC organises workshop for university staff and students to address sexual harassment on campus
On 5 August 2024, the EOC held the “Play Smart” Joint-University Workshop on Addressing Sexual Harassment on Campus. Attended by over 40 student leaders, residence tutors, and staff members from eight Hong Kong universities, the workshop aims to raise awareness of sexual harassment prevention among the university community ahead of orientation activities during the summer.
The workshop was specifically tailored for student leaders responsible for organising campus events, as well as staff members who have frequent contact with students, such as dormitory tutors. The event was designed to equip these key stakeholders with knowledge and skills to promote a safe and respectful environment on university campuses.
Speaking at the event, EOC Chairperson Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau said, “In response to past media reports of alleged sexual harassment incidents on campuses, the EOC has been reaching out to tertiary institutions through various channels every year, calling on them to require students, especially student leaders in charge of planning and executing orientation activities, to receive anti-sexual harassment training. This year, the EOC wrote to 21 tertiary institutions as early as April, expressing our willingness to collaborate with them on the training. We are pleased to see the enthusiastic response from various institutions. Upon the request of the institutions, the EOC has already conducted nearly 25 training sessions for student leaders since April this year, with a total participation of over 4 000 people. Some individual institutions have even made it mandatory for students who organise student activities to attend the training.”
Dr Ferrick CHU Chung-man, Executive Director (Operations) of the EOC, highlighted some myths and misconceptions about sexual harassment and introduced methods of preventing and handling sexual harassment through various cases and examples.
“The message we want to convey is that sexual harassment should not be taken lightly. Even jokes or ordinary activities can become unwelcome conduct that make people feel offended, insulted or intimidated if they carry sexual connotations, and would constitute unlawful sexual harassment. Therefore, students who organise or participate in activities must remain vigilant at all times,” he said.
