Sexual harassment in public transport among female university students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Globally, women and girls are subjected to various forms of sexual harassment while using public transport daily. Objective: To determine the prevalence of sexual harassment and identify different forms and associated risk factors among female university students who use public transport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study design using a questionnaire was employed to collect data. Data were collected from female first-year undergraduate students, who use public transport and are aged 18 years and above studying at the University of Dar es Salaam and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.      Results: The overall prevalence of sexual harassment on public transport was 88%. Study participants reported the highest levels of sexual harassment (91%). Verbal harassment was the most common form of sexual harassment (95%), and being called names such as baby, sweet, honey or love was reported by most students (78%). Factors associated with sexual harassment on public transport were: overcrowded vehicles (AOR=2.90, 95% CI: 0.09-4.50) and use of public transport as a form of transport (AOR=4.54, 95% CI: 0.40-8.90).  Conclusion: The study findings highlight the need for the implementation of plausible interventions on the issue of sexual harassment through awareness campaigns and the implementation of modern surveillance and reporting systems in public spaces.