Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognising the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality. It is a time for reflection, celebration, and, most importantly, action. While progress has been made in advancing women’s rights, persistent challenges remain—one of the most pervasive being sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is not just an individual issue; it is a societal problem rooted in power imbalances, gender discrimination, and deep-seated cultural norms that tolerate or dismiss inappropriate behaviour towards women. This issue transcends geography, profession, and class, affecting women in workplaces, educational institutions, political spaces, and even within their own homes.
In Nigeria, the issue of sexual harassment has once again come into the spotlight following the allegations against Sen. Natasha Akpoti, a well-respected politician and advocate for women’s rights. Her case has sparked widespread outrage, not only because of the nature of the allegations but also due to the systemic challenges women face when speaking out against powerful figures.
Akpoti’s case is emblematic of a larger issue; the silencing of women who dare to challenge authority and demand accountability. In many cases, survivors are met with victim-blaming, public scrutiny, and institutional pushback rather than support and justice. This discourages other women from coming forward, reinforcing a culture of impunity that allows perpetrators to continue their abusive behaviour unchecked.
The consequences of sexual harassment extend far beyond the immediate act. Survivors often experience psychological trauma, loss of self-confidence, and damage to their professional and personal lives. Some may suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others may be forced to leave their jobs, abandon political aspirations, or withdraw from public life entirely.
This has far-reaching implications for gender equality. If women are unable to participate fully in politics, business, and other spheres of influence due to fear of harassment and retaliation, society loses out on their contributions. A nation that does not protect its women from harassment ultimately stifles its own development.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we must move beyond discussions and take concrete steps to combat sexual harassment. Here are some key measures:
- Strengthening Laws and Policies
Governments must establish and enforce clear, comprehensive, and enforceable laws against sexual harassment.
Workplaces, political institutions, and public spaces must implement strict anti-harassment policies with zero tolerance for offenders.
Independent bodies should be set up to investigate allegations impartially, ensuring due process and protection for survivors.
- Challenging Cultural and Institutional Norms
In many societies, sexual harassment is normalised or downplayed. There must be a shift in mindset that clearly defines and condemns all forms of harassment.
Leaders in politics, business, and education must take a stand against harassment and create environments that are safe and inclusive for women.
- Educating the Public on Gender Equality and Consent
Comprehensive sex education should be introduced in schools to teach young people about respect, consent, and personal boundaries.
Organisations should conduct gender sensitivity training to ensure that individuals at all levels of society understand the importance of consent and appropriate behaviour.
- Empowering Survivors and Providing Support Systems
Survivors need safe spaces to speak out without fear of retaliation.
Access to legal aid, psychological counselling, and career support should be prioritised to help survivors rebuild their lives.
More female representation in leadership roles ensures that policies reflect the lived experiences of women and address their concerns effectively.
- Encouraging More Women to Speak Out
High-profile cases like that of Sen. Akpoti must not deter women from coming forward. Instead, they should ignite a movement that demands accountability from institutions and perpetrators.
Media organisations should play a responsible role by reporting sensitively on sexual harassment cases and holding those in power accountable.
A Call to Action: The Role of Everyone in Ending Sexual Harassment
International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating achievements—it is about demanding justice, equality, and protection for women everywhere. Ending sexual harassment requires the collective effort of governments, institutions, businesses, communities, and individuals.
This is not just a “women’s issue”—it is a human rights issue. Everyone has a role to play in creating a world where women can live, work, and lead without fear of harassment or discrimination.
As we reflect on this year’s IWD, let us move beyond conversations and take bold actions to protect women, hold perpetrators accountable, and build a future where sexual harassment is no longer tolerated.
What changes do you think should be prioritised in the fight against sexual harassment? Share your thoughts!
