The Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI) has taken a strong stance against sexual harassment in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
In collaboration with stakeholders, GMI is co-convening a conference to tackle this pervasive issue.
Scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, the conference, acccording to the Executive Director, Barr. Omowumi Ogunrotimi, will draw all the education commissioners across the Federation, development partners, education regulators, student groups and civil society organisations to engage and commit to a state-level adoption and implementation of sexual harassment prevention frameworks.
These frameworks will include policies and programs designed to create safe learning environments for students.
Expected to deliver the keynote address, highlighting the importance of this initiative is the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman.
Over time, GMI has a proven track record of supporting tertiary institutions in tackling sexual harassment. They have already provided technical assistance and capacity-building programs to over 30 institutions, empowering students, faculty, and staff to address this issue effectively.
Additionally, GMI launched the first feature-rich campus mobile app specifically designed for reporting sexual harassment cases. This app allows for tracking, data generation, and access to resources for victims.
GMI’s contributions extend beyond individual institutions. They have actively participated in the development of a national legal framework that criminalises sexual harassment. This is evidenced by their “#DonateaPento Mr President” campaign, which mobilised over 10,000 Nigerian students to advocate for the signing of an Anti-Sexual Harassment bill.
Most recently, GMI collaborated with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to design a comprehensive model anti-sexual harassment policy. This policy has been approved by the Federal Ministry of Education and will be circulated to universities and other tertiary institutions across the country.
GMI’s multi-pronged approach, combining stakeholder engagement, institutional support, national advocacy, and technological solutions, positions them as a leader in the fight against sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary education.