The Committee for Gender Directors in Nigerian Universities and the Alliance for Africa are urging swift action to stop sexual harassment in Nigerian higher education.
During a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, AFA executive director Iheoma Obibi characterized sexual harassment as a breach of human rights and a betrayal of the duty of care that educational institutions owe to their students.
She urged the federal government to make passing the Sexual Harassment Bill a top priority.
According to her, 63% of female students reported having experienced sexual harassment, according to a recent poll done by AFA and CGDNU.
Universities must establish and implement zero-tolerance policies against sexual harassment, Ms. Obibi emphasized
CGDNU coordinator Ufioma Awhefeada requested that the sexual harassment laws be passed by the National Assembly. According to her, the issue was relevant since it affected both the academic achievement of students and the output of society.
Other experts who spoke focused on the importance of strong policy texts, advocacy, and survivor support systems.
They also called for anonymous reporting of sexual harassment and encouraged victims to come forward.
