Dignity • Safety • Equality

Gender Desk

A confidential and inclusive support office promoting gender equality, protecting rights, and helping every member of the Zanzibar University community feel respected and safe.

A trusted spaceYour voice matters
Your privacyStrictly confidential
Open accessStudents and staff
Responsive careGuidance and referrals
A safe and supportive campus

Gender Desk within ZU

Our Gender Desk is a dedicated office committed to promoting gender equality, safeguarding the rights of all students and staff, and fostering an inclusive academic environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

Rooted in fairness, dignity, and non-discrimination, the office plays a central role in addressing gender-related matters and ensuring that the University remains a safe and supportive space for learning, teaching, and professional growth.

Fairness Dignity Non-discrimination
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Institutional responsibility

Mandate of the Gender Desk

The Gender Desk is entrusted with advancing gender equity across all university activities. This includes ensuring compliance with institutional policies, national legislation, and international standards on gender equality, while raising awareness about issues affecting members of the university community.

01
How we serve

Key Functions

Prevention, confidential response, capacity building, and continued advocacy.

7 core functions
01

Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

The office leads the development, dissemination, and enforcement of the University’s Anti-Sexual Harassment and GBV Policy. It provides training, workshops, and awareness campaigns aimed at preventing harassment, exploitation, and discrimination on campus.

02

Reporting and Complaint Mechanism

The Gender Desk offers a confidential reporting platform where students and staff can safely raise concerns related to sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, or gender-related challenges. Cases are handled professionally, sensitively, and according to established procedures.

03

Counselling and Support Services

In collaboration with the Counselling Unit and relevant departments, the Gender Desk provides emotional support, advisory services, and referral pathways for survivors of GBV or discrimination, supporting timely assistance and recovery.

04

Capacity Building and Training

The Gender Desk conducts training for students, academic staff, administrative personnel, and university leaders on gender sensitivity, workplace ethics, inclusive practices, leadership, and safe learning spaces.

05

Gender Mainstreaming

The office supports the integration of gender-responsive approaches into teaching, research, community engagement, university policies, and campus activities to strengthen equality and equal opportunity.

06

Advocacy and Awareness

The Gender Desk organizes seminars, campaigns, international gender-day activities, and community outreach. It also collaborates with national bodies, NGOs, and development partners on gender empowerment initiatives.

07

Supporting Female Students and Staff

The office creates opportunities for women’s academic and professional advancement through mentorship, leadership development, and targeted support for vulnerable groups, including student mothers and people experiencing gender bias.

An open door

Who Can Visit?

The Gender Desk is open to all students and staff, regardless of gender. Anyone seeking advice, reporting an incident, or needing support is encouraged to visit without fear of stigma or retaliation.

Our promiseStrict confidentiality and professionalism
University commitment

A Safe and Inclusive Campus

Through strong policies, responsive systems, and continuous advocacy, the Gender Desk supports an environment where everyone can thrive academically and socially, with respect, safety, equality, and justice at its core.

RespectSafetyEqualityJustice
Speak with confidence

You do not have to face a concern alone.

Reach out for confidential guidance, support, and the appropriate referral pathway.

Contact Zanzibar University