FG committed to mainstreaming gender-sensitive frameworks in schools – Minister

By Praise Chinecherem

Federal Government has restated its commitment to mainstreaming gender-sensitive frameworks across the education sector in line with the Renewed Hope agenda.

Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba S’aid Ahmad gave the assurance at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka at a one-day symposium organized by the University’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Committee (SHAC).

Ahmad represented by Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, Prof Theresa Okoli said the ministry was working with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, National Universities Commission, NUC and other institutions to ensure sexual harassment policies were not only enacted but enforced.

She said, “The theme of today’s symposium is not only timely but reflects the deep yearning across our educational institution and indeed our nation for safe respectful and inclusive learning environments.

“Sexual harassment in schools and higher institutions is a gross violation of human dignity. It undermines academic integrity, destroys trust and erodes the confidence of students, particularly young women, who come to these institutions in search of knowledge and a better future.

“It is therefore heartening to see that UNIZIK is not merely issuing a statement of intent but is mobilizing leadership, stakeholders and institutional workers to name, confront and eliminate this scourge.

“Such initiative strengthens collective call for zero tolerance towards all forms of exploitation, abuse and violence in our campuses.

“Dear students, especially our young women, I see you, I hear your voices and I stand with you.

“Your safety is not negotiable, your rights are not conditional and your dreams must not be delayed, denied or derailed because of the predatory behavior of anyone clothed in academic or institutional authority.

“As a woman, a mother, a professor and now a public servant, entrusted with the education of our nation, this advocacy is deeply personal to me.

“It is one of the reasons I have continued to champion the protection of students, especially girls, through strong policies, responsive systems and functional grievance mechanisms in schools.”

The Minister who was conferred with an award, commended the university for its courage and clarity in declaring a resolute war against sexual harassment and assault.

Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh described sexual harassment as cancer worm destroying the society as well as two-edged sword piercing both genders.

She warned girl-child against subjecting themselves to actions capable of exposing them to harassment.

“People fear the secrecy of the folded fingers. Avoid nudity. Respect and love yourself so you’ll escape harassment. Flee from sin of materialism,” she added.

UNIZIK Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Carol Arinze-Umobi, represented by the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Felicia Anyogu, decried growing cases of sexual harassment which she regretted was disturbingly changing, with increasing cases of females harassing males, lesbian females harassing other females, and gay men harassing other men.

“Broadly speaking, sexual harassment is unwanted behavior of a sexual nature from one person, the harasser, to another, the victim and the behavior being intimidating and offensive to the victim.

“It could be explicit or implicit and includes actions such as unwanted touching, suggestive comments, offensive jokes, and displaying sexual suggestive images, including the harasser’s physical body.

“Thus understood, and if we apply, many who may consider themselves innocent would be indicted. Traditionally, the stereotype of sexual harassment is that of a male harasser and a female victim,” she added.

Chairperson, Sexual Harassment/Assault Committee, Dr Nneka Umejiaku described the symposium as veritable platform to break culture of silence promoting sexual harassment in academic environment.

“The symposium is aimed at empowering students with requisite knowledge on their rights to conducive academic environment, free form every form of sexual harassment and assault.

“Sexual harassment promotes poor academic performance because victims often withdraw from classes, while others lose motivation in academic opportunities.

“Consequently, sexual harassment erodes campus safety and fosters hostile academic environment.

“In fact, sexual harassment can seriously derail careers through lost opportunities, reputational damage or emotional trauma.”

SUG President, Comrade Samuel Eze restated that war against sexual harassment was still on course in the institution, warning culprits of sexual harassment to turn a new leaf or face the consequences.

He also pledged the support of the students government to the committee to enable it succeed in its mandate.