The management and students of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, have restated their commitment towards supporting efforts aimed at addressing gender-based violence, discrimination, and sexual harassment in the institution.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Mathias Ananti, made this commitment during an advocacy visit to the institution by a non-governmental organisation, Alliances for Africa, in collaboration with the Centres for Gender Studies, over the weekend.
Ananti, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, during the visit, described gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment as a “very sensitive matter” that requires collaborative effort to tackle.
He identified a culture of silence, lack of robust data and fear of stigmatisation, among others, as major factors hindering the eradication of the menace in the institutions.
He insisted that COOU maintains zero tolerance to all forms of gender-based violence and sexual harassment and assured that the school would institutionalise its Centre for Gender-based Studies to further strengthen policies, support systems and enforcement mechanisms to create a safer and supportive academic environment.
He said, “Gender-based violence and sexual harassment are very sensitive matters and COOU has zero tolerance for it. Some of the major problems fuelling it include a culture of silence, fear of stigmatisation and lack of robust data.
“As an institution, we have put in place student police as a mechanism to curb these issues. We are committed to creating a safer and supportive learning environment and we assured that the school will institutionalise its Centre for Gender-based Studies to strengthen policies and advocacy around the menace.”
Earlier, in her introductory remarks, the Programmes Director at AfA, Blessing Duru, said despite existing policies, gender-based violence and sexual harassment remained a pervasive issue which disrupts academic and administrative functions in Nigerian tertiary institutions, including COOU.
Duru explained that the advocacy visit was part of efforts towards addressing gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment in collaboration with Centres for Gender Studies across 12 universities in Nigeria.
She, however, observed that COOU has yet to strengthen and institutionalise its Centre for Gender-based Studies, noting that the absence of such, would fuel sexual harassment and gender-based violence as well as hinder efforts towards addressing the menace in the institution.
She, therefore, urged the authorities of COOU to institutionalize its Centre for Gender-based Studies and put in place policy checks and mechanisms, among others, as a way of showing commitment to addressing gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the institution.
She said, “Sexual harassment thrives because institutional cultures tolerate and enable it. There is a culture of silence and victim blaming, as well as inadequate reporting and accountability mechanisms.
Many institutions lack clear reporting channels and referral pathways and protection for victims, among others.
“At COOU, there is a need to establish these mechanisms clearly, ensuring swift, transparent investigations with serious consequences for perpetrators. To show commitment to addressing gender discrimination and sexual harassment, the Vice-Chancellor and management of COOU must first formally establish and institutionalise the Centre for Gender Studies.
“When this is done, other measures, strategies and support AfA is offering to the 12 project-implementing universities will follow. AfA will provide ongoing support to ensure the success of the initiatives, and our commitment includes strengthening the Centre for Gender Studies through capacity building, strategic planning, and policy development.
“AfA is also committed to strengthening counselling services, awareness campaigns, resource development, oversight and development by supporting the creation of a committee to oversee the implementation of sexual harassment policies at COOU and ensure ongoing monitoring of progress.
“By adopting these measures, COOU will not only ensure a safer environment for her students and staff but also position itself as a national leader in combating gender-based violence in educational institutions.
This will enhance her reputation, thereby attracting more students and funding from entities that prioritise ethical and inclusive environment.”
