By Prisca Nguzo
Wife of the Kwara State governor and Chairman of Governor's Wives Forum, Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq has urged university administrators and other stakeholders to adopt multifaceted approach involving policy reforms, sensitization and collective action towards curbing the prevalence of sexual harassment in their institutions.
Mrs. Abdulrazaq noted that sexual harassment on campuses in Nigeria has become a significant societal concern, affecting student’s wellbeing and academic progress.
The Kwara State governor's wife made the appeal at the National Summit on Addressing Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria organized by Alliances for Africa in collaboration with the Committee of Gender Directors in Nigeria, CGDN, held in Abuja, on Monday.
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She stressed that the sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence in tertiary institutions, "is a pervasive concern that undermines the smooth delivery of quality education to female students; denting the moral fabric of these institutions."
According to her, "globally, the prevalence of sexual harassment in higher education remains alarming. Studies reveal that between 11% and 73% of women in these institutions experience some form of harassment, with a median rate of 49%. Men though affected to a lesser extent, report rates of 3% to 26%, highlighting the disproportionate burden borne by women.
"Also, a 2018 World Bank survey indicated that 70% of female graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions experienced sexual harassment during their studies. This pervasive concern is heightened by insufficient reporting mechanisms, stigma, and institutional apathy. Despite numerous allegations, only a fraction of perpetrators face consequences, perpetuating a culture of impunity.
"While these data are appalling, the consequences of inaction stands profound, beyond the personal trauma endured by victims, sexual harassment no doubt disrupts educational progress, erodes institutional trust, and undermines our nation's development goals in the education sector.
She continued, "ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence in all its shades remains at the core of our interventions at the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum and as such we are committed to continuing to lead advocacies for transformative change, champion reforms that prioritize safety, accountability, and justice in academic environments both in our individual spaces and as a collective.
"Our role today is clear: to translate data and experiences into actionable policies that protect our students and staff. I implore us all to advocate for robust reporting frameworks, survivor support systems, and enforceable institutional codes of conduct.
"Furthermore, as leaders, let us commit to sustained advocacy that amplifies the voices of the silenced and ensures their stories catalyze change. Together, we can forge a future where our institutions are not just centers of learning but also bastions of safety and respect."
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Earlier, AfA Executive Director, Ms. Iheoma Obibi said the summit, "is about setting a new standard for our institutions, one where sexual harassment is unequivocally condemned, where students are free to pursue their education without fear and where justice prevails."
The theme of the summit is: Combating Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions and Strengthening Mechanisms for Change: A Critical National Imperative:"
The summit had in attendance all directors of Centre for Gender Studies unit all in universities, and key stakeholders including Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary-General, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, CVCNU, Hon. Akin Rotimi, spokesman, House of Representatives, Mrs. Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Co-founder of African Women's Development Fund and former First Lady of Ekiti State, who also doubled as the Keynote Speaker at the Summit and other resource persons and academic Dons.
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