Preventing Sexual Harassment

At Osaka University we have established our own Guidelines on Sexual Harassment to prevent sexual harassment as well as to protect and help victims so that we can accomplish the university's social missions of conducting education and research activities in a healthy environment. The Sexual Harassment Counseling Office that deals with sexual harassment-related problems for all members of the university community was launched in April 2002. With the placement of counselors across the university, the office is able to offer advice and information not only to victims, but also to those who would like to know how sexual harassment interferes with the movement toward a gender-equal society.

Great effort was made to create the best possible guidelines. We have researched a wide range of cases from many universities and other resources. However, we strongly believe that our work is not yet complete, as the concept of human rights is likely to evolve in the future. These guidelines may need to be adapted to the changing views of society on all kinds of discrimination.

Each department has its own committee, insisting they will serve their purpose and fully cooperate with the Sexual Harassment Counseling Office. Posters and leaflets have been placed on University notice boards and information is also available on our website.

The Human Rights Committee considers a wide range of human rights issues to ensure that all members of the campus community can enjoy their campus life to the fullest. In liaison with the newly formed Sexual Harassment Committee, the Human Rights Committee will deal with all kinds of human rights issues, including Dowa issues, racial discrimination, and discrimination against those with special needs..

Chair, Osaka University Human Rights Committee