By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
Sexual harassment is a pervasive and insidious issue that continues to plague tertiary institutions worldwide, undermining the safety, well-being, and academic success of students and faculty alike.
Defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, sexual harassment creates a hostile environment that stifles learning, erodes trust, and perpetuates inequalities.
In a recent review meeting focused on the work of the Independent Sexual Harassment Committee at tertiary educational institutions, significant strides in combating sexual harassment within the institution were underscored.
In response to this pressing challenge, the Center for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA) and a consortium of different Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working to contribute in addressing the prevalence of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions held a progressive review meeting with stakeholders in Abuja on the 29th of April 2024, to address the sexual harassment menace in Nigeria’s educational Institutions.
Speaking at the event, the CAJA’s Executive Director, Kabiru Dakata who was represented by Agibu Hamisu, CAJA’s Senior Program Officer stated that the cluster meeting is aimed at achieving three key objectives which include: advocacy for the presidential assent to the sexual harassment in tertiary educational institutions (Prohibition) Bill, 2023, to advocate for proper implementation of the anti-sexual harassment law through effective engagement with the sexual harassment prohibition committees in tertiary institutions, and to support the funtionality of the ‘campaign against sexual harassment clubs’.
Additionally, he added that the objectives of the meeting were to expand consultation with stakeholders for the continued efforts to obtain presidential assent to the anti-sexual harassment in tertiary institutions bills, to understand the composition and functions of the independent sexual harassment prohibitions committee (ISHPC) in tertiary institutions, and to obtain stakeholders inputs on how to strengthen the work of ISHPC and to observe as a medium for learning and exchange of ideas and strategies deployed by various institution for replication and adaption
For her part, the Executive Director of Youth Alive Foundation (YAF), Dr. Udy Oko stated that the efforts of CSOs in actualizing anti-sexual harassment laws are pivotal in ensuring that legislation aimed at combating this pervasive issue is effectively implemented and enforced.
“These organizations serve as a driving force behind advocacy, awareness-raising, and monitoring efforts, working tirelessly to hold institutions and policymakers accountable for upholding the rights and safety of individuals”, she said.
She further noted that the primary role of CSOs is to advocate for the development and passage of robust anti-sexual harassment laws at both national and regional levels.
“Through strategic lobbying, public campaigns, and engagement with policymakers, CSOs play a critical role in shaping legislative agendas and ensuring that comprehensive legal frameworks are implemented to address sexual harassment in all its forms”, she said.
While fielding questions from The Sight News Correspondent, Dr. Oko said, “Once anti-sexual harassment laws are enacted, CSOs and the media will continue to play a crucial role in their implementation and enforcement, hence all stakeholders responsible for the anti-sexual laws must as a matter of priority make the media a major stakeholder in the advocacy for sexual harassment prohibition beyond merely inviting the media to cover and write reports on their events”.
Speaking on the composition and functions of the Independent Sexual Harassment and Prohibition Committee (ISHPC) the Executive Director of Gender Mobile, Barrister Wumi stated that (ISHPC) is a vital component of institutional efforts to address sexual harassment within academic environments comprising diverse stakeholders, hence the ISHPC is entrusted with the responsibility of developing, implementing, and overseeing policies and procedures aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment on campus.
She further highlighted the committee’s functions to include Policy Development, Awareness and Education, Complaint Handling, Support Services, and Monitoring and Evaluation.
“Through its composition and functions, the ISHPC serves as a key mechanism for fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive academic environment for all members of the campus community”, she added.
