Malawi Groups Demand Action on 'Sex-for-Grades' at MZUNI
"We refuse to accept this as the status quo. The pursuit of knowledge should never come at the cost of one's integrity or autonomy," the coalition said.
LILONGWE, Malawi- Civil society groups in Malawi are demanding urgent action to combat alleged sexual exploitation of female students by lecturers in exchange for better grades at the country's public universities, particularly Mzuzu University, writes Winston Mwale.
The Civil Society Education Coalition issued a scathing statement saying the "egregious actions" of lecturers accused of coercing students into sexual favors for academic advancement have "callously violated" the dignity and freedom of victims.
"We refuse to accept this as the status quo. The pursuit of knowledge should never come at the cost of one's integrity or autonomy," the coalition said.
"It is a fundamental right, enshrined in principles of dignity and equality that every student be afforded the opportunity to learn and grow without fear of coercion or exploitation."
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition wrote to Malawi's education minister urging immediate steps to "address and eradicate such exploitative practices" following an allegation that a lecturer at Mzuzu University demanded sex from a student for academic favors.
"The safety and well-being of students, particularly girls and women, must be prioritized, and all necessary measures should be taken to ensure that they are protected from any form of exploitation or harassment," the rights group said.
Mzuzu University acknowledged the reported incident and said it takes "the allegation levelled in the story on sextortion seriously."
In a statement, the university said it has policies to prevent corruption, enhance staff ethics and address sexual harassment.
"An investigation regarding the current matter reported on social media is being carried out and appropriate action will be taken, informed by the findings," the statement said.
The groups cited past reports of similar incidents at other universities, including a case at a private university in November 2022 where a student was allegedly coerced into sexual favors for grades.
Public university lecturers were accused of leaking exams to students with whom they had sexual relations in September 2020, according to reports.
The Civil Society Education Coalition urged Mzuzu University's administration, the education ministry "and the Ministry of Education must heed this rallying cry and embark on a relentless pursuit of justice."
"Immediate investigation and reform are imperative to cleanse our educational institutions of this blight and restore faith in the integrity of our academic pursuits," it said.
"Perpetrators of such heinous acts must be swiftly identified and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
The coalition also called for the national human rights commission to hold public hearings on the "sex-for-grades" issue.
It described the allegations as "not only a dent on the university authorities but also the entire university and Malawian communities."
Human Rights Defenders asked the education ministry to ensure thorough investigations, victim support systems, accountability for perpetrators and prevention measures like awareness campaigns.
"It is incumbent upon everyone – administrators, faculty, students, and government officials – to work together to create a culture of respect, equality, and integrity within our universities," the group said.