Gender Mobile Commends Reps For Passage of Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill

Social-advocacy group, Gender Mobile Initiative, has applauded the House of Representatives for passing the Anti-Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions Bill, saying it is a significant step toward ensuring safe and conducive learning environments across Nigeria.

“We extend our appreciation to Honorable Akin Rotimi, the sponsor of this bill, for his commitment toward the re-enlistment of this bill,” said Gender Mobile Executive Director Omowumi Ogunrotimi in a statement on Wednesday.

The bill was passed by the lawmakers on Wednesday. The Bill was enacted to promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary education, protect students against sexual harassment by educators in tertiary educational institutions, and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions.

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“This bill’s passage is a culmination of years of collaborative advocacy, involving civil society organizations, educational leaders, legal experts, and policymakers.

“We recognize and thank each of these stakeholders for their contributions and collective efforts. Their voices and resilience have laid the foundation for this legislative milestone,” the group said.

Gender Mobile said the Sexual Harassment Bill mandated strict standards of accountability, defined clear protections for students, and established Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committees to address complaints promptly and fairly. “These measures are essential in creating a culture of respect and safety across all educational institutions in Nigeria.”

“At Gender Mobile Initiative, we reaffirm our commitment as a strategic ally to continuously work with Hon. Akin Rotimi and other partners to ensure this bill becomes law and is effectively implemented. We are dedicated to ongoing advocacy, education, and support efforts that empower students to learn in an environment free from Sexual harassment.

“As we celebrate this progress, we call on the Senate to act swiftly in passing this bill, recognizing the urgency and importance of protecting students across tertiary institutions. We believe the Senate will rise to this occasion, making our schools safe for growth and learning.”

Also, the Special Assistant on Women Affairs to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Yeside Olasimbo, applauded Gender Mobile for pushing for the passage of the bill.

“Gender Mobile is an organization that truly deserves our respect and admiration. This is a monumental win for all of us, but I want to remind everyone that our journey doesn’t end here. I have so much confidence that this bill will receive presidential assent because my president, our president, is a just man who believes in progress and equality.

“This moment marks significant progress, and I want to take a moment to applaud Gender Mobile for their tireless efforts. Their dedication has not only made this possible but has also given me the incredible opportunity to be part of this legacy and greatness. I do not take this for granted.

“Today is especially meaningful for me because this is the first bill from the catalogue of bills that I have advocated for and supported since I took office that has successfully passed in the House of Representatives. It feels like a dream come true, and I am filled with gratitude and hope for what lies ahead,” she said in an Instagram post.