In the bid to restrain the incidence of gender-based violence and harassment in work places, The Nigeria Union Of Public Service Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors And Allied Workers (NUPSRAW), a division of the Nigeria Labour Congress has held it first National Gender Conference in Ibadan, Oyo state capital
The conference themed “Understanding Gender-Based violence And Harassment In The World Of Work” was held on Thursday, at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.
In her welcome address, the National Chairperson, NUPSRAW Women Committee, Comrade Remilekun Adekola,
said the challenges the world has had to face, of recent, such as pandemic, wars Insurgency, acts of terrorism, environmental disasters and many others has lead to addressing gender-based violence in the world of work
She also added that the freedom from violence is a fundamental human right and gender-based violence undermines a person’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem.
She said further,
“Gender-based violence is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality and continues to be one of the most notable human right violations within all societies and workplaces.”
“Gender based violence is violence directed against a person because of their gender. Both women and men experience gender based violence but the majority of victims are women and girls.The importance and pressing need to coordinate our efforts and work”
“The conference is to promote awareness and strategies on Gender Based”
In her keynote address, the National president, NUPSRAW, Comrade Roselyn Uba-Anarah, stated that gender-based violence and harassment are directed not only at the female gender, but of the both gender all over the world. She stressed that women are more affected with this, as they suffer from sexual harassment, physical harassment, personal harassment and all others at their places of work.
She added that gender-based violence and harassment is a global problem causing them emotional physical harm to people, most especially women all over the world.
“It is high time that we created the awareness on gender based violence and harassment in the world of work. Making people understand the basic gender concept and promoting gender sensitivity in the work places.”
“We must speak up when we are being harassed at work, women must talk and must not be silent”
While stressing that the immense contributions of women cannot be underestimated, she lamented that 57 percent of Nigerian women suffer gender-based violence at work places. She however advocated for a gender friendly environment for women.
She said
“ It is pertinent that we are not trying to struggle with men for power, we just want a true democracy and enabling and safer environment where men and women can sit together, work without fear or initimadation at work place”
While appreciating the Federal Government for signing the C190 bill into law, she also called on stakeholders to fight gender-based issues and formulate polices that will make life bearable for all genders.
“We are calling for more policies and gender based policies for all gender most especially women. We appreciate the Nigerian government for being the first government in west Africa to sign the C190 into law making it the first west African country to do so. We are grateful.
Representing the Oyo State Head Of Service, Alhaja Amidat Agboola, the Permanent Secretary, Parliament and Security, Oyo Governor’s Office, Mrs Oni Olubunmi noted that the conference will reiterate the fact that women now knows their right in the society.
She added that the sensitization for Gender Based Violence and Harassment is an important case that should not be limited to workplace but to various homes.
“This topic is very critical and it should not be limited to workplace but also to our homes so we can train our children morally.
“One of the critical functions of ministry of women affairs. Not limiting it to workplace but to markets women, our communities etc.
” In Oyo State, we are worker’s friendly we don’t discriminate in. We have one gender violence case and it was trampled immediately. We run an open door policy to give opportunities to women’s voice to be heard not only in workplace but in all ramifications.”
