Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has suspended Gaspo Women FC Chairman Edward Githua from all football activities over sexual harassment allegations.
In a statement on January 17, FKF confirmed that it made the decision following serious sexual harassment claims reported between 2021 and 2023.
FKF said that the chairman allegedly harassed minor players at the club within the mentioned period.
“Multiple underage players, a number of whom served as ball girls for Gaspo Women FC between 2021 and 2023 have accused Githua of inappropriate behavior that created a hostile and unsafe environment for them, during their period with the club,” said FKF.
Githua will appear before FKF Disciplinary Committee to respond to the allegations.
“The FKF Safeguarding Department has contacted Mr. Githua regarding the allegations, with a view to have him appear before the FKF Disciplinary Committee and respond to the said allegations,” added the Federation.
The Federation said it will remain committed to ensuring justice for all involved but will refrain from further comments until the FKF Disciplinary Committee reaches a resolution.
The FKF Women’s Premier League outfit is currently positioned 11th in the 12-team table, with five points from 12 matches.
FIFA Sexual Harassment Rules
FIFA revised Code of Ethics in 2023 toughened disciplinary proceedings for cases of sexual assault or harassment in a revised Code of Ethics.
The revised code removed the 10-year limitation period on prosecuting sexual offences.
The changes also make the possible victims “parties to the relevant proceedings, who enjoy all procedural rights, such as that of being notified of the relevant decision and being entitled to appeal it.”
FIFA obliged member associations and confederations to notify FIFA of any decisions rendered on sexual abuse and match-fixing.
A series of sexual assault scandals in recent years, notably in Gabon, Haiti, the United States and Afghanistan, forced FIFA into disciplinary proceedings, especially in cases where the local authorities refused to act.
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What is Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can be defined as unwelcome and unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive environment.
It can also be seen as a form of violence against women (and men, who can also be sexually harassed) and as discriminatory treatment. A key part of the definition is the word “unwelcome”.
Sexual harassment can take a variety of forms including both physical violence and more subtle forms of violence such as coercion.
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It can take a long-term form, repeated sexual “jokes”, constant (unwanted) invitations to go on a date, or unwelcome flirting of a sexual nature.
Besides, it can be a one-off incident, touching or fondling somebody inappropriately, or even sexual abuse or rape.
It is classified as a behavior which relates directly to the sex of the person who is being harassed hence seen as discriminatory.
According to a study conducted by the International Labor Organization (ILO),” Sexual harassment is inextricably linked with power and often takes place in societies which treat women as sex objects and second-class citizens.”
