BAC2School Raising Awareness on Sexual Harassment at SMK Kepong Baru
BAC2School doesn't shy away from the heavy subjects. We lean in and take steps to ensure that our youth understand and are educated on the fundamental definitions and types of sexual harassment, including physical, verbal, virtual, and non-verbal gestures.
A key emphasis was placed on the scope of sexual harassment, showing the students that it isn’t limited to physical acts. The trainers explained the broad range of inappropriate behaviors that constitute harassment, helping students understand how subtle forms can be just as damaging as overt actions.
This important talk also touched on the recent Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 and the Employment Act 1955, outlining how the Malaysian government is actively combating sexual harassment. By introducing these legal frameworks, the trainers provided the students with an understanding of their rights and protections under Malaysian law. The legal context was necessary for raising awareness among the students but also to empower them to recognise and report instances of harassment in the school environment and beyond.
Group Activities
When the BAC2School team visited SMK Kepong Baru recently, a key feature of the sessions conducted was a group activity where students were presented with images depicting potential harassment situations. They were then tasked with analysing these images, writing down their observations, the consequences for those involved, and the actions they could take if they encountered such scenarios.
After 10 minutes of discussion, select groups presented their findings to the entire cohort. This activity not only helped students engage more deeply with the content but also fostered peer-to-peer learning. It created a space for open discussion, where students could hear differing perspectives on how to respond to harassment and what preventive measures they could take.
We are proud to say that both sessions were well-received by students and teachers alike, with active participation and engagement throughout. The interactive nature of the talk helped ensure that the students absorbed the critical information presented.
In recognition of their efforts, the school issued certificates of appreciation to the BAC trainers, acknowledging the importance of the educational initiative. The sessions succeeded in raising awareness, providing students with actionable knowledge on how to recognise and combat sexual harassment in their daily lives.
The BAC2School initiative, through these workshops, continues to play a vital role in educating students about important social issues, reinforcing its commitment to fostering safer and more informed school environments.