Education commissioners, ICPC meet to brainstorm on sexual harassment issue

Commissioners for Education in the country will engage with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja to strategize on the best way to address the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.

The meeting which is expected to focus on sexual harassment in tertiary institutions is convened by the ICPC and Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

Ms. Omowumi Ogunrotimi, Executive Director, Gender Mobile Initiative, said the engagement would focus more on prevention frameworks than punitive measures.

“Development partners, education regulators, student groups, and civil society organisations will engage and commit to the state-level adoption and implementation of sexual harassment prevention frameworks,” she said.

According to Ogunrotimi, the engagement scheduled to take place on July 9 will address the grave concern that undermines the safety, dignity, and academic integrity of both victims and institutions.

“It is imperative that we create a learning environment where all students and educators can pursue their goals free from fear and intimidation.

“To achieve this, it is essential to implement comprehensive policies and effective prevention strategies.

“To this end, a stakeholder engagement will be conducted on July 9 in Abuja to address the pervasive issue of sexual harassment on campuses, with a comprehensive focus on prevention frameworks,” Ogunrotimi said.