A one-day residential consultation with Nigerian media editors, organized in collaboration with Alliances for Africa (AfA) and Co-Impact, has been convened to tackle the issue of sexual harassment in the country’s tertiary institutions.
The consultation aimed to address the widespread nature of sexual harassment, review existing policies and reporting mechanisms, and examine the complexities involved in holding perpetrators accountable.
Participants discussed the challenges journalists face in reporting sexual harassment incidents within these institutions. The discussion highlighted significant knowledge gaps among gender unit heads, inadequate protection for survivors and stakeholders, and the inefficacy of numerous committees established to address complaints.
The session underscored the inconsistent application of national and regional policies on sexual harassment and the adverse effects on survivors, educational institutions, staff, and the broader society.
Key recommendations included establishing a committee within each institution to assess the qualifications of gender unit heads, fostering collaboration with mainstream media, involving media when civil society organizations receive harassment reports, and building relationships between media houses and local tertiary institutions.
Additional suggestions focused on encouraging men’s active participation in harassment advocacy, promoting women’s leadership in educational institutions, advocating for the passage of anti-sexual harassment legislation through media campaigns, ensuring media houses uphold their corporate social responsibilities, and initiating annual documentation of harassment cases.
The call to action urges all stakeholders, including media outlets, academic administrators, faculty, students, government bodies, regulatory agencies, civil society groups, and religious and traditional leaders, to unite in the fight against sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
DNews Info is a trusted source for breaking news, insightful commentary, and in-depth coverage of events across Nigeria and beyond. With a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and engaging stories, we aim to keep our readers informed and empowered. Stay connected for the latest updates in politics, business, entertainment, and more.
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
