CSO Drafts Bill to Combat Sexual Harassment in Schools

A Civil Society Organisation (CODE) has announced the creation of a draft bill aimed at eradicating sexual harassment in primary, secondary, and tertiary schools in Awka Ibom State.

The bill, developed in collaboration with the state’s Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Unit, comes as a response to the alarming increase in sexual harassment and violence in educational institutions.

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill (2023), which is currently awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s assent, primarily focuses on tertiary educational institutions.

However, there are plans to expand the bill’s scope to include secondary and primary schools as well.

Investigations have revealed that the issue of sexual harassment extends beyond tertiary institutions, implicating teachers and even NYSC members.

The bill aims to address various forms of sexual harassment, such as sex texting of students, sexual comments, sexual advances, and inappropriate touching of students’ body parts.

CODE, with support from a SCALE Project funded by USAID, has dedicated the month of February to engaging lawmakers in the state to support and sponsor the bill.

The organization hopes that the legislation will help to create safer learning environments and protect students from sexual harassment.

Responding to the proposal, state lawmakers have expressed their support for the bill and have committed to sponsoring it.

The Deputy Speaker, KufreAbasi Edidem, suggested that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law should be reviewed to accommodate the proposed changes.

The CSO’s draft bill to end sexual harassment in schools represents a significant step forward in addressing the issue and promoting safer educational environments for all students.