The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has actually withdrawn a sexual harassment advisory provided by its Student Affairs Department after it sparked extensive criticism from members of the public, who argued that the message appeared to position the obligation for avoiding sexual harassment on females instead of perpetrators.
In a declaration launched on Monday, the university’s Head of Interaction Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, verified that the advisory stemmed from the Trainee Affairs Department however said it had actually been withdrawn because it did not show the institution’s worths, principles or main position.
The controversy followed the circulation of a roll-up banner entitled “Counselling Tips for Ladies to Prevent Sexual Harassment/Rape,” which contained a series of behavioural guidelines directed at female students.
Amongst the recommendations were guidance advising women not to “dress to kill,” explaining one’s impersonating “your address,” dissuading them from easily shaking hands with guys or associating carefully with them.
The advisory also cautioned female trainees versus remaining alone with men in remote locations, accepting regular gifts or unneeded favours from males, taking in intoxicants, seeing pornographic materials, and stopping working to be careful when offered beverages. It further encouraged ladies to be assertive and “discover to say no.”
The messages rapidly drew reaction on social media and from advocacy groups, with critics arguing that the advisory promoted victim-blaming by focusing on women’s conduct instead of dealing with the behaviour of criminals of unwanted sexual advances.
Reacting to the criticism, UNILAG stated that any idea that victims bear responsibility for acts of harassment is inconsistent with the university’s values and entirely unacceptable.
Read also:
Ex-UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Ogundipe Presumes Workplace as NUC Governing Board Chairman
UG Alumni Group Petitions Global Donors to Suspend Financing Over Unwanted Sexual Advances Debate
The institution reiterated that it keeps a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and rape, stressing that it neither condones nor supports any form of victim-blaming or victim-shaming.
According to the university, sexual harassment constitutes serious misbehavior and has no location within its neighborhood.
UNILAG also kept in mind that unwanted sexual advances is not restricted to one gender, stressing that anybody can end up being a victim.
The university motivated trainees who have actually experienced or seen incidents of unwanted sexual advances to utilize its official personal reporting channels to allow prompt investigation and proper support.
Declaring its dedication to student well-being, the institution said it stays dedicated to promoting a safe, respectful, inclusive and fair environment where all members of the university community can study, work and flourish without worry of harassment or discrimination.