In a recent interview on the TV show “Real Talk With Kike”, hosted by ace broadcaster Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, Boma Alabi, OON, SAN, former President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, addressed the pressing issue of sexual harassment, lending her voice to the ongoing controversy between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
As the first female president of an association representing lawyers from 54 Commonwealth countries, Alabi shared powerful insights, emphasizing that harassment is never justified, regardless of a woman’s appearance or demeanor.
“Let me start with the last question, and that question is very important because what tends to happen is the victim is blamed for being victimized,” Alabi said. “If a woman chooses to carry herself anyway she chooses, that is her right, it’s her body, not yours.”
Alabi dismantled the notion that a woman’s conduct or clothing invites harassment, asserting that men often cross boundaries irrespective of how a woman presents herself.
“To be honest, I do not believe that [respect] is the case. I think that men will have a girl regardless. It can be subtle, and you then put a stop to it before it crosses the line into harassment,” she explained.
Having worked both in Nigeria and internationally, Alabi noted a stark difference in workplace dynamics, highlighting how inappropriate comments are often normalized in Nigerian society.
“Here, they sit as though they have the right to compliment you — you don’t have the right to compliment me. Please do not speak about what I’m wearing,” she asserted. “I’m not looking at you and saying, ‘Oh, you’re looking good, you have a six-pack.’ Don’t compliment me, don’t speak about my appearance. That in itself is harassment.”
Alabi also condemned gendered workplace expectations, rejecting the idea that women should take on domestic roles in professional settings.
“My gender should have nothing to do with me being in a room with you, in a workspace. If it’s in my home, that’s fine, but not in my workspace. Don’t expect me to make you tea or coffee because you’re the man and I’m the woman in the room,” she said.
Her powerful words serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian society and beyond, challenging harmful norms and advocating for safer, more respectful professional environments for women.
Boma Alabi’s stance reinforces the importance of addressing systemic issues around harassment, pushing for accountability, and empowering women to demand the respect they deserve — without compromise.
