Researchers and rights activists have called for the swift implementation of workplace harassment policies in the country. At an implementation validation meeting in Abuja, the stakeholders, supported by the African Women Development Fund (AWDF) under the Kasa initiative, urged civil society members, researchers, and public officials to spearhead discussions and findings from recent research on sexual harassment policies in organisations.
 
Executive Secretary of Lagos State Domestic Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stressed the importance of robust policy frameworks to combat sexual harassment, which she described as a violation of human rights and a barrier to employees’ well-being and productivity. 
 
She stated that translating policy into enforceable practices was crucial for creating safe and respectful workplaces. Vivour-Adeniyi explained the importance of research in understanding the extent of policy adoption and barriers to effective implementation, asserting that it would inform advocacy and intervention efforts.

She called for clarity and accessibility in policy development, stating that the agency aims to create an environment that promotes respect and safety at work.
  
Her words: “This research is vital because it provides us with evidence-based insights into the current state of policy adoption. It helps us to understand the extent to which organisations have implemented comprehensive and effective sexual harassment policies.
 
“It also helps us to understand the challenges and barriers that hinder the adoption or effective implementation of such policies.”   She added:  “The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency recognises that sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that violates fundamental human rights and undermines the dignity of individuals. It creates a hostile work environment, hinders productivity, and has far-reaching consequences for the well-being of employees and the overall success of organisations.
 
“The findings of this research will be invaluable in informing our interventions, policies and advocacy efforts. It will empower us to work more effectively with organisations to create workplaces that are free from sexual harassment. At DSVA, we remain committed to preventing and responding to all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual harassment in the workplace.”