Presentation Information
[SY-98-02]Harassment at the University Campuses in Mindanao: What is Happening and How to deal with it
*Hiromi Yamauchi (Hiroshima University(Japan))
Keywords:
Harassment,Violence,University Campus,Mindanao,Philippines
Mindanao is known for its cultural diversity and history marked by violence, including armed conflict and drug-related crime. In this region, universities play a crucial role in enlightening and supporting not only their students but also the broader community. While previous research has explored the conflict and violence in Mindanao within the fields of history, politics, culture, and peace, there is a lack of research specifically focused on universities. Research questions are: what kind of violence and harassment issues exist at universities in South and West Mindanao, how are they expressed in the cultural context of the region, and how is the university responding to these issues?
This is a qualitative, hypothesis-generating research based on a pilot study conducted in 2023. The researcher conducted interviews and focus group discussions in March 2025. Participants were faculty, staff, and students involved in preventing and resolving harassment issues on campus, such as guidance counselors, gender focal persons, deans, officers, and student council members.
The research findings are summarized in four key points. The first point addresses violence from outside the university, influenced by armed conflict, inequality, clan feuds, drug issues, and family violence. The second point highlights the influence of family and community. The behavior of victimized students is significantly shaped by norms such as family shame, gender ideology, and victim-blaming. The third point focuses on cyberbullying, reflecting a culture of passive aggression that uses memes as a form of resistance. The fourth point addresses the university's response, including consultation and complaint procedures, as well as connection with off-campus problem-solving processes.
This is a qualitative, hypothesis-generating research based on a pilot study conducted in 2023. The researcher conducted interviews and focus group discussions in March 2025. Participants were faculty, staff, and students involved in preventing and resolving harassment issues on campus, such as guidance counselors, gender focal persons, deans, officers, and student council members.
The research findings are summarized in four key points. The first point addresses violence from outside the university, influenced by armed conflict, inequality, clan feuds, drug issues, and family violence. The second point highlights the influence of family and community. The behavior of victimized students is significantly shaped by norms such as family shame, gender ideology, and victim-blaming. The third point focuses on cyberbullying, reflecting a culture of passive aggression that uses memes as a form of resistance. The fourth point addresses the university's response, including consultation and complaint procedures, as well as connection with off-campus problem-solving processes.