By Josephine Agbonkhese

Described as unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which, when submitted to or rejected, implicitly or explicitly affects a person’s employment or educational opportunity or reasonably interferes with the person’s work or educational performance, sexual harassment is a pervasive menace in Nigerian workplaces.

Unfortunately, victims often face significant barriers to reporting and seeking justice even though the crime is punishable on conviction with two to three years imprisonment.

Consequently, most cases of sexual harassment in the workplace go unreported.
Here, Mandy Demechi-Asagba, President at both the African Women Lawyer’s Association, AWLA, and Legal Pool for Justice and Equity Initiative, LPJEI, shares seven things you must do when faced with sexual harassment in your workplace.

Document Incidents
Documenting incidents of sexual harassment is crucial in building a strong case against the perpetrator. Keep a record of dates, times, locations, and details of what happened. Also, save any evidence, such as emails, text messages, photos or voice notes.

Report to HR or Management
Reporting the incident to HR or management is essential, even if the company lacks a formal policy. This helps to create a paper trail and can lead to an investigation. However, be prepared for a vindictive response from the perpetrator or management.

Seek Support from Colleagues
Having a supportive network of colleagues can make a significant difference. However, it’s essential to choose colleagues who are trustworthy and discreet. Be cautious of colleagues who may be loyal to the perpetrator or who may victim-blame.

Contact a Lawyer or Legal Aid Organisation
Seeking legal advice is crucial in understanding your rights and options. A lawyer or legal aid organisation can help you navigate the legal system and provide guidance on how to proceed. At the African Women Lawyers Association for example, we provide pro bono services for the indigent, as well as free legal clinic every Friday at our secretariats.

File a Police Report
Filing a police report can provide an additional layer of protection and create a formal record of the incident. However, be prepared for a potentially slow and frustrating process.

Consider a Medical Examination
If the harassment involves physical contact or assault, consider seeking a medical examination and mental health examination. This can provide valuable evidence and help you receive any necessary medical treatment.

Prioritise Self-Care
Lastly, prioritise self-care and seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Sexual harassment can have severe emotional and psychological consequences; so, it’s essential to take care of yourself throughout the process.