Todays Woman

By Ogaga Otaotu

Sexual Harassment can be described as an unwelcome sexual advances. They occur commonly in the work place,offices and public places such as commercial buses etc. This is one problem that is gradually being accepted as a norm in the society, no law has yet been  enforced as it is in the case of sexual assault.

Until the 1970s, Sexual harassment was NOT recognized as a form of sexual offence because it was perceived as isolated incidents of flirtations in the work place. Studies have however shown that over 60% of women have been sexually harassed at one time or the other but for the fear of losing their jobs they have remained mute about it especially when it is coming from their bosses or supervisors.

Miss Anwuli, a business woman, recounted her experience in one of the BRT buses in Lagos. A young man was actually poking her bosom with his elbow at every turn,in a bid to pick up something from his pocket. She however stood up and left her seat when she could take it no longer. This is not the first time that would be happening.

Another woman who would like to be addressed simply as Mrs.G,says as a banker,she has been harassed sexually on so many occasions especially at work. Her branch manager who knows that she is married, always  throws  sexual comments her way. He would pass his hand across her shoulders at every given opportunity, hold on to a handshake longer than necessary. He knows that is unprofessional but he sees it as being friendly but she is not comfortable with it. She had to start avoiding him .

Mrs Glory is a contractor and business woman. Her job entails soliciting for business mostly from government parastatals. She sometimes has to deal with sexual harassment from clients even in their offices. She recounted how a top politician almost raped her when she went for payment of a job she did. For the fear of losing the business,she had to put up with it, Moreso since she is the bread winner. The family would suffer if she failed to collect the money. Glory recounts that some men would deliberately delay her payment because they want more than just a business friendship.

Miss Dare is an undergraduate in one of the federal university. Her lecturer constantly harassed her sexually at every given opportunity. It started when she had a challenge with his course and she went to see him about it.The Senior Lecturer who we will just called þDr O. could not take his hands off her.He kept sending for her,asking her to come to the office. He particularly mentioned that his girlfriend was about graduating. He was looking for a replacement for her. Fortunately,she was transferred to another department the following semester. That was how she escaped his Harassment.

Tessy’s experience was a bit different. Being in her final year in the university, she was terrified when she found out    she failed his course which may earn her an extra year. The  lecturer asked her to meet him up after school. And he forced her. After the incident he pleaded with her not to mention it to anyone and he would ensure that she graduated without any hitch. She eventually did not have an extra year but she it hurt her for years. Most especially since she did not report it to anyone because she was so scared.

Examples of Sexual Harassment according to Martha Langelan include.

-Comments about women’s bodies

-Accidentally brushing sexual parts of the body.

-Unwelcome touching and hugging

– leaning over..invading ones personal space.

But why is Sexual Harassment still prevalent in our society today?

If women could stop condoning this debasing act and speak up or raise an alarm any time it happens it may be reduced. Some continue to put up with sexual harassment in the office for fear of losing their jobs while others are too just scared or timid to speak up.