In order to end all forms of sexual harassment meted against female journalists while discharging their duties, as well as creating enabling and safe work places for them, female journalists in Nigeria are calling for the establishment of Sexual Harassment Policy in all the media houses.
Speaking during a two-day training programme organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists in collaboration with the Norwejian Union of Journalists (NORSK), one of the facilitators; Mrs Rafat Salami in her lecture titled “Combating Sexual Harassment In Work Places and Safety In Field”, stressed the need to have Sexual Harassment Policy in Media Houses.
Salami noted that the reason for unionism is for members to be able to fight for their rights and the rights of their workers, adding that sexual Harassments should be listed as misconduct in places of work.
She urged women to report all forms of sexual harassment meted against in the cause of discharging their duties but warned them against accusing men falsely of rape as they stand the risk of being arrested and prosecuted.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communication, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim tasked female journalists on agenda setting with regards to gender inequality.
Nsirim said that NAWOJ does not have statistics of work done so far, adding that while they celebrate their 30th anniversary they should have been able to show statistics of work done on advocacies and achievement recorded thus far.
He further asked them get a comprehensive database for female journalists whereby people can go and easily access any female journalist at anytime in case of molestation.
Also speaking the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Atosemi Teetito described the training as apt and timely, adding that the ministry of Women Affairs is so passionate about gender-based discrimination against women and girls.
Represented by a director in the ministry, Dr Carmelita Agbonbere, she noted that monday 25th of November marks the beginning of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, stressing that it is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.
