Cross section of participants at the symposium
A recent roundtable meeting held in Abuja brought together over 50 participants to tackle the pervasive issue of workplace sexual harassment with a call to include anti-harassment legislations in rhe Nigerian Labour laws.
Organized by BAOBAB for Women Human Rights, the symposium aimed to create a safe and supportive work environment for women and girls.
The meeting highlighted the alarming prevalence of sexual harassment in Nigeria, with no institution immune to the problem.
Participants noted that though some organizations have anti-sexual harassment policies, but these are often disregarded by staff.
To address the issue, participants recommended the establishment of robust policies, immediate action by victims, naming and shaming of perpetrators as possible ways out of the scourge.
Education from an early age, active reporting mechanisms, and media involvement are also proffered as solutions to the spreading phenomenon.
The roundtable meeting further emphasized the need for collective action to combat workplace sexual harassment in Nigeria, noting that dicipating effort on the common problem would not bring the desired result.
They resolved that by promoting awareness, education, and policy implementation, Nigeria can create a safer and more supportive work environment for all.
The meeting was adjudged to be particularly timely, given the recent national conversation around sexual harassment triggered by the experience of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
