The University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) has intensified its efforts to tackle sexual harassment and gender discrimination on campus. In a strategic move, UniPort’s Centre for Gender, Conflict, and Development Studies (CGCDS) partnered with the feminist advocacy group Alliance for Africa (AFA) to address these critical issues.
During a recent advocacy visit, AFA representatives met with UniPort’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, and senior officials. The meeting focused on reinforcing the university’s commitment to a harassment-free environment. Prof. Heoma Nsirim-Worlu, Director of CGCDS, explained the Centre’s role in conducting research on gender conflicts. She noted that cultural biases and societal stigma often deter victims from speaking up, complicating efforts to resolve harassment cases effectively.
Nsirim-Worlu emphasized that harassment affects both men and women, yet silence and fear of stigma often keep victims from reporting incidents. “The main problem isn’t just about who gets harassed; it’s the silence around it,” she stated. This culture of silence perpetuates unreported cases, making it harder to tackle the issue head-on.
The collaboration with AFA aims to break these barriers. AFA’s Programme Director, Blessing Duru, stressed the urgent need for clear policies and effective reporting mechanisms at the university. She pointed out that without enforceable rules, harassment thrives unchecked, disrupting the academic environment. “We need strong policies that protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable,” Duru said.
Duru also highlighted the culture of victim-blaming as a major obstacle. Many victims fear disbelief and lack of support, which discourages them from reporting. This lack of action disrupts the overall learning atmosphere, making it crucial to implement proper reporting channels and accountability measures. Without these, cases often remain unresolved, perpetuating a harmful cycle.
To tackle these issues, AFA and CGCDS plan to launch educational campaigns across the university. These initiatives will focus on raising awareness about gender issues and encouraging victims to report incidents without fear. The goal is to create a more inclusive environment and establish clear pathways for reporting and investigating harassment cases swiftly and transparently.
The partnership between UniPort and AFA demonstrates a strong commitment to ending sexual harassment and gender discrimination on campus. By addressing these systemic issues, the university aims to provide a safer and more supportive environment for students and staff. This initiative is a vital step in addressing a widespread problem that affects educational institutions across Nigeria. With active involvement from advocacy groups and university leadership, there is hope for meaningful and lasting change in the fight against harassment and gender inequality.
This collaborative effort sets a positive precedent for other institutions, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement and effective policy implementation. It aims to foster a safe, inclusive academic community where everyone feels supported and protected.
