From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), has held held a workshop to sensitize students in tertiary institutions about sexual harassment.
The participants were students from the University of Abuja and the Zuba college of education.
Clifford Oparaodu, Secretary to the Commission, expressed his dismay at sexual gratification becoming a form of “illegal tender” in many institutions during the event on Wednesday at the ICPC headquarters.
According to him, “Staff have been found to use their office to demand and receive sexual benefits from other staff and students in exchange for good grades or other favours. Unfortunately, due to the fear of stigmatization or further victimization, many targets of such demands find themselves forced to succumb, in order to avoid dire consequences and denial of benefits to which they may ordinarily even be entitled.”
Oparaodu said the culture of silence had allowed sexual harassment thrive but that ICPC was working relentlessly to ensure that with sensitization and appropriate policy implementation, this culture would gradually change.
He said the workshop would afford the participants the opportunity to gain a proper understanding of the concept of Sexual Harassment and appreciate the enormity of the problem in Tertiary Institutions and the society at large.
The Secretary went on to say that it will give participants a forum to connect with and identify with other parties involved in the fight against sexual harassment.
“It will provide a platform for participants to understand the mandate of the ICPC in relation to abuse of office via sexual harassment and for the public discussion of the model policy on sexual harassment in Tertiary Institutions and the importance of adopting it in their institution, as well as provide the participants of opportunities open to them as victims vis-à-vis the right of access to court to seek redress” he added.