By Dada Ahmed.
(c):South Aftican.
The Nigeria Feminist Forum (NFF), has condemned sexual harassment in higher institutions in Nigeria with a call for comprehensive policy implementation on such negative development.
The Forum, in a statement in Owerri, Imo state, signed by Adaeze Ekpunobi,its
Communications/Programs Assistant, said it was deeply troubled by the recent allegations of sexual harassment against Cyril Ndifon, a professor at the University of Calabar, Cross River State.
“We strongly condemn any form of sexual harassment and stand in solidarity with the brave female students who have come forward to voice their experiences.
“The suspension of Ndifon from his position as Dean of the Faculty of Law is a necessary step towards addressing the serious allegations against him,” it said.
NFF noted that the incident
highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and enforceable sexual harassment policy within higher learning institutions across Nigeria.
It ,therefore , called on all universities and higher education institutions to prioritize their students’ and staff’s safety and well-being by implementing clear and robust sexual harassment policies.
These policies, the NGO added, should encompass stringent measures to prevent and address incidents of sexual harassment, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
The Nigeria Feminist Forum also urged the University of Calabar and all institutions of higher learning to establish an impartial and expert-led panel to thoroughly investigate the allegations against Prof. Ndifon.
“We also call for the active participation and protection of survivors throughout the investigation, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights respected.
“Furthermore, the NFF advocates for the establishment of confidential reporting mechanisms, support services, and awareness campaigns aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment on campuses.
“It is imperative that a culture of respect, dignity, and equality be fostered within academic environments where everyone can thrive without fear of harassment or discrimination.
“We call upon university administrators, policymakers, and civil society to collaborate in crafting and enforcing comprehensive sexual harassment policies that guarantee the safety and dignity of all individuals within higher education institutions,” according to NFF.
The management of the NGO expressed their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote gender equality, address sexual harassment, and create a conducive learning environment for all.
The Nigerian Feminist Forum is a public policy forum of Nigerian women who self-define themselves as feminists and are recognized to ‘walk the talk’ in their fundamentalist and extremely vulnerable contexts.
NFF is also established to promote gender equality, women’s rights, and social justice in Nigeria.
It works to create a more inclusive and equitable society through awareness campaigns and policy advocacy, became a reality in 2007 and has been in existence since 2008.
Google defines sexual harassment as any unwanted sexual behaviour that makes someone feel upset, scared, offended or humiliated, or is meant to make them feel that way.
According to it,it is a type of sexual violence or act that happened without consent.
