A feminist organisation, Alliances for Africa (AfA), yesterday, urged government, management of higher institutions and stakeholders to formulate and adopt policies that would help in addressing cases of sexual harassment and assaults.

Executive Director of the group, Ifeoma Obibi, stated this while reacting to alleged incident of sexual harassment involving the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL) and his female students.

Obibi, who commended the management of UNICAL and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) for the steps taken over the incident, said: “We recognise the gravity of the situation and firmly stand against any form of sexual harassment in educational institutions.”

AfA, however, canvassed comprehensive anti-harassment policies, gender-sensitive education, reporting mechanisms, empowerment of survivors, diversity and inclusion, training and awareness, as well as zero tolerance, as necessary reforms needed to address the menace in tertiary institutions.

“Alliances for Africa, a leading feminist organisation championing gender justice and human rights across the continent, is deeply concerned about the recent allegations of sexual harassment at the University of Calabar.

“The allegations of sexual harassment involving the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, have rightfully sparked outrage and concern. Such incidents undermine the dignity and wellbeing of students and erode the integrity of the educational environment.

“However, it is essential to recognise that addressing sexual harassment requires more than just responding to individual cases. It demands a holistic approach to create lasting change. It requires ensuring all systems and settings that promote unequal power dynamics; victimisation, intimidation, inequality, abuse and violation of human rights within the institution are addressed.”

“These structural systems create an environment where such violations are more likely to occur, making educational institutions unsafe for the girl-child.

“Is it not disheartening that a survey conducted in 2018 by the World Bank revealed that 70 per cent of female graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions have been sexually harassed, with the main perpetrators being classmates or lecturers.

“AfA believes tertiary institutions should be safe spaces for learning, personal growth, and pursuit of knowledge. We call on gender units in all Nigerian institutions to rise and be a voice of awareness and protection in their schools. We call on all African universities, particularly those in Nigeria, to adopt these reforms and work collectively to eradicate sexual harassment from our campuses.

“We remain resolute in our mission to ensure gender justice and a world free from all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination. We stand with the students of the University of Calabar and all survivors of sexual harassment, offering our unwavering support,” the group added.