To combat and prevent sexual harassment at work, the Lagos State government has developed new guidelines.
During a symposium held at Victoria Island’s Civic Centre, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) unveiled the framework.
The event focused on the effects of SGBV on organizational productivity and sexuality.
More than 130 professionals from the trade union, hospitality, FMCG, oil and gas, and banking joined together for the event.
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the executive secretary of DSVA, described SGBV as a significant economic challenge and a human rights violation.
Survey
According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, which predicted annual losses of $ 3.0 billion, or nearly 1% of output, she cited.
Additionally, she shared the findings of a recent survey of 549 professionals on workplace harassment.
Over 70% of respondents had direct experience, while 89.3% had a family member who was affected.
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Only 4.5% of respondents said they had never experienced workplace harassment.
She said, “This reality underscores the urgent need for enforceable workplace policies that promote dignity, respect, and inclusivity.”
Princess Olumegbon, the head of the Lagos Assembly Committee on Women Affairs, stated that SGBV must be addressed both as a societal and economic challenge.
She assured the audience that the House would work to improve the legal frameworks for preventing gender-based violence.
Calls For Zero Tolerance
Goodwill messages were delivered during the symposium’s keynote address, which was delivered by Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) founder Kemi Ibru.
Ibru advocated for the use of zero-tolerance laws and survivor support systems and highlighted the impact of SGBV on productivity.
The official release of the Lagos State Guidelines for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment at Work was a major highlight.
Source: Channels TV
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