CSOs Seek Presidential Assent To Anti-sexual Harassment Bill

Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA) and a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are seeking presidential assent on the bill against sexual harassment in tertiary institutions in the country.

Speaking at a progressive review meeting with stakeholders on the work of the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee in Abuja, the executive director of CAJA, Kabiru Dakata, said the cluster meeting was aimed at advocacy for the presidential assent on the sexual harassment in tertiary institutions (Prohibition) Bill, 2023.

Represented by CAJA’s senior programme officer, Agibu, the ED said it also aimed to advocate for proper implementation of the anti-sexual harassment law through effective engagement with the Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committees in tertiary institutions and to support the functionality of the ‘campaign against sexual harassment clubs’.

On her part, the executive director of Youth Alive Foundation (YAF), Dr Udy Oko, stated that the efforts of CSOs in actualising anti-sexual harassment laws are pivotal in ensuring that legislation aimed at combating this pervasive issue is effectively implemented and enforced.

Oko said, “These organisations serve as a driving force behind advocacy, awareness raising, and monitoring efforts, working tirelessly to hold institutions and policymakers accountable for upholding the rights and safety of individuals.”

She further stated that the primary role of CSOs is to advocate for the development and passage of robust anti-sexual harassment laws at both national and regional levels.

“Through strategic lobbying, public campaigns, and engagement with policymakers, CSOs play a critical role in shaping legislative agendas and ensuring that comprehensive legal frameworks are implemented to address sexual harassment in all its forms,” she added.