Yar’Adua Foundation, UNN launch portal against sexual harassment

The Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation has partnered the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) to launch a portal for victims of sexual abuse and harassment in the institution to report their case.

Executive Programme Officer of the Foundation, Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo, while speaking at the launch, yesterday, said that with the portal, victims of sexual harassment, members of staff and students in UNN would no longer find it difficult to walk into appropriate offices to report any act of sexual harassment.

She gave the portal address as www.genderjustice.org.ng.

“Some victims of sexual harassment, especially rape, find it difficult because they were shy to walk into an office to report the matter to appropriate officers.

“But with this sexual harassment portal, any member of staff or student in UNN that is sexually harassed can stay in the comfort of his or her room to report the matter as well as upload text, audio or video of what happened.

“There is no shame in speaking out. The shame should be on the perpetrator (rapist),” she said.

ALSO, Vice Chancellor of the school, Prof. Charles Igwe, praised the Director, Gender and Development Policy Centre, Prof. Anthonia Achiike, for the partnership.

The VC, who was represented by Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Eze Okonkwo, expressed concern over the rising cases of sexual harassment in universities in the country and offices and said that with the portal, members of staff and students of the university have no excuse not to report any act of sexual harassment.

He said the UNN, as an institution, had zero tolerance for sexual harassment and would continue to assist victims to get justice and as well ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.