Gender Equity and Protection

We uphold the rights of every member of the university community — regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, nationality, or background.

We’re on a mission to build a safe, inclusive, and empowering campus environment where every member — regardless of gender — can thrive, learn, work, and grow free from harassment and discrimination. Our Gender Equity and Protection Office is the central hub for guiding this vision, ensuring everyone’s rights are upheld and voices are heard.

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Zero Tolerance Policy

USIU-Africa strictly prohibits and condemns:

  • Gender-based violence (GBV)

  • Sexual harassment and misconduct

  • Harmful cultural practices

  • Any discrimination based on gender or sexuality

We address violations firmly, in line with the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Policy and related laws such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.

Gender Equity & Protection Office

The Gender Equity and Protection Office is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment for all students and staff. Its mission is to promote zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence while fostering gender responsiveness in every aspect of university life. Through adherence to national and international legislation, the office works to uphold principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for diversity. Its vision is to build a community where gender equality is not only protected but actively practiced, and where all forms of harassment and discrimination are eliminated.

OUR MANDATE

gwnder sign
01.

Ensure adherence to national and international
laws on gender equity and protection in the
overall design, processes and functions of
USIU-Africa.

02.

Foster zero-tolerance to all forms of sexual
harassment and discrimination by leading
strategy in Sexual Gender Based Violence
prevention and response in USIU-Africa.

03.

Provide a central place to receive and
investigate all forms of sexual harassment
complaints and discrimination in USIU-Africa
community.

04.

Conduct prompt, equitable, fair and impartial
administrative investigations into complaints.

05.

Promote the implementation of USIU-Africa
Sexual and Gender Based Violence policy
commitments through trainings, sensitizations
and evaluation tools.

06.

Promote gender mainstreaming in all functions
and processes at USIU-Africa by fostering the
implementation of the USIU-Africa Gender
policy.

07.

Provide gender and inclusion technical
advice and guidance on research, education,
governance and equity considerations in the
university.

08.

Foster external partnerships and linkages that
support education and training on gender
equity and protection.

09.

Cultivate relationships with students through clubs, field activities and training to support gender equity and protection education in the
university.

USIU-Africa Sexual and Gender Based Violence Policy Statement

The United States International University-Africa
prohibits and strongly condemns Sexual and
Gender Based Violence committed by students or employees, whether on or off campus, or by
any individual on campus or within its programs
or activities.

Find the Sexual & Gender Based Violence policy here.

Important Information

Refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. Such acts include sexual
violence,physicalviolence, sexual assault, harmful
practices amongst others.

USIU-Africa’s Sexual and Gender Based Violence Policy defines sexual harassment as the persistent,
unwelcome, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of sexual nature. It can also take the form of a person being is a position of authority, holding a public office or not, persistently making any sexual advances or requests which he or she knows, or ought to have known are unwelcome. USIU-Africa has a Sexual and Gender Based Violence policy accessible here. Please download it and acquaint yourself with the policy.

If you feel that you are a victim of sexual harassment or gender based violence, it is essential that you notify the Gender Equity and Protection Office. The following steps can help ensure that a complaint is properly filled.

  • Write down details of incident including date, time and location using complaints form accessible here. You could also lodge your complaint directly through
    rngumi@usiu.ac.ke or gep@usiu.ac.ke,
    • Keep evidence of harassment
    especially if it occurs through text or
    emails.
    • Report the incident to GEP office, health center, security, human resources
    department and your supervisor.

The Gender Equality and Protection Office assures you of confidentiality and protection from retaliation.

Gender Equity and Protection Office
USIU-Africa Counselling Center
USIU-Africa Security Department
USIU-Africa Health Center
National GBV Hotline Kenya
National police Service

Reach Us

The Gender Equity and Protection Office,
Administration Block, 1st Floor,

Important Documents