A coalition of civil societies, students and women right groups have called on the Harmonisation Committee of the National Assembly to expedite action on the Anti- sexual Harassment Bill to ensure the establishment of a law that address cases of sexual harassment in educational institutions.
They made the call in Abuja at a one day consultative meeting organised by a non Governmental organisation, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, WRAPA in collaboration with development partners.
The Secretary General of WRAPA, Mrs. Saudatu Mahdi explained that with the raising cases of sexual harassments in the country, especially across tertiary institutions, said it is imperative to pass the bill into law to check the menace.
A lecturer with the National Open University of Nigeria, Dr. Nathan Emmanuel acknowledged the importance of the bill saying it would help to protect students against sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.
The National Association of Nigeria Students, Office of the Provost, Mr. Victory Nonso stated that the Association would use its platform to advocate for the Harmonisation and presidential assent of the bill to protect both female and male students from any form of sexual harassment.
The Anti sexual Harassment bill has passed the first and second readings at the National Assembly and currently on the desk of the Harmonisation Committee to reflect concerns and observations of different stakeholders into the bill for presidential assent.
