University apologises over disturbing banner linking rape to ‘indecent dressing
The Co-operative University of Kenya on Friday apologised after it came under fire over a disturbing banner that appeared to link rape to ‘indecent dressing’.
The banner which was placed at the university’s main gate entailed how students should dress, complete with pictures.
It outlined ‘acceptable’ dress code, with examples of women wearing such outfits.
“Dress how you want to be addressed. A woman should always dress to be remembered not simply to be noticed,” part of the message in the banner read.
But the part of the message that stirred up an online storm read: “Indecent dressing leads to sexual harassment and rape.”
In their public apology, the university said that the messaging portrayed by the banner “was misleading and highly regrettable.”
“The university wishes to confirm that it does not in any way tolerate Gender Based Violence (GBV) or harassment of any form. We wish to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all forms of Gender Based Violence and harassment are eradicated,” the university said.
PUBLIC APOLOGY
For enquiries and clarifications:
Email: vc@cuk.ac.ke / pro@cuk.ac.ke
Website: https://t.co/1UIFxIRgzb pic.twitter.com/yAVIM0BZB6— The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) (@CoopVarsityKE) November 26, 2021
The university further explained that the banner was put up without the management’s approval and that it was immediately pulled down once it came to their attention.
But this was long after the online community had expressed it dismay with the messaging on the banner. Here are some of the initial online reactions:
As we commence on #16DaysofActivism here is Co-operative University with this extremely disturbing poster. Waaaah! “Indecent dressing leads to sexual harassment and rape”??? Really???
I want to say I can’t believe this is from a University. I really want to. ?? pic.twitter.com/4B8bWFFs0U
— Wordslinger {Kas Ka Gan} (@Wordslinger__) November 25, 2021
The Co-operative University of Kenya @CoopVarsityKE you should STOP justifying and rationalizing sexual violence. @DCI_Kenya @NPSOfficial_KE @IG_NPS @NGECKenya @EstherPassaris @unwomenkenya @ODPP_KE pic.twitter.com/jzh9Gs8EcO
— Survivors of Sexual Violence in Kenya (@SSVKenya) November 25, 2021
Wow Co-operative University Of Kenya, shame on you for perpetuating victim blaming!
A whole banner saying “indecent dressing leads to sexual harassment and rape” is unacceptable. Rapists rape. Period. https://t.co/Ufc8A827WM
— Adelle Onyango (@ADELLEO) November 25, 2021
Co-operative university puts up a banner telling ladies if they dress indecently they get raped . A whole educational institution ?This November needs to end.
— K A B A Y A (@MaandyKabaya) November 25, 2021
Two common ERRENOUS remarks;
Legalizing same-sex marriage will lead to an increase in rape.
The second, indecent clothing leads to rape and women should dress better if they do not want to be raped @Ustadhgriffin
1/#Better4Kenya #EndGBV#16Daysofactivism#GenerationEquality pic.twitter.com/udIDxQRMtD— Dr.Bosire Wairimu MD, MSc, MBA,LLB(ongoing) (@Lasterbosire) November 25, 2021
The Co-operative University of Kenya has taken the position that women are raped because of how they dress. “Indecent dressing leads to sexual harrassment and rape.” @Cooperative_Uni pic.twitter.com/eeb6CGPQW2
— Al Kags (@alkags) November 25, 2021