By Sofiyat Akinniyi
The federal government is taking a courageous step to fight sexual harassment in Nigeria, with the intention to establish mobile courts and implement policies to deal with the menace.
Minister of Woman Affair, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, declare the government’s plan at a National stakeholder’s engagement on Sexual Harassment Prevention in Abuja. The event was organised by Independent Corrupt Practice Commission (ICPC) and the Gender Mobile Initiation.
The government concerned about the high rate of sexual harassment in tertiary institution, primary and secondary schools and even hotels. To resolve this, they are working with hotel owners to stop minors from lodging and reporting any effort to security operations.
The ICPC chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu Aliyu, emphasized the need for great repercussion for criminals to control the menace. He noted that sexual harassment and gender discrimination are damaging Nigeria’s reputation and impelled stakeholders to join forces to address the challenge.
The government has draw model anti- sexual harassment policies for educational institutions and the Federal Ministry of Education has approved them for primary and tertiary institution.
Stakeholders are propelled to think about a prevention framework rather than a response framework and to work collectively make sure successful implementation of the policies.
With mobile courts, policies and collaboration, Nigeria is determined to put an end to sexual harassment and ensure a safer and more respective environment for all.