A one-day seminar on sexual harassment on campus, themed "Sexual Harassment on Campus: Creating a Culture of Respect and Consent," was held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Hall, main campus, Ojo.
The event was organised by the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) in collaboration with the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV) at Lagos State University (LASU).
The seminar was graced by the presence of the First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by a Member of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Mrs Oluwatoyin Suara. In her address, the First Lady emphasised the importance of standing firm and rejecting the culture of silence in addressing sexual harassment. She commended SWAN for their role in empowering women and the younger generation and reiterated her stand on zero tolerance for sexual violence.
On her part, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Omotunde Boyo, affirmed the University's commitment to creating a culture of respect, inclusivity, and empathy. She highlighted the efforts made by LASU to provide a safe and valued environment for students, staff, and the entire community.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged students to utilise the mechanisms in place to tackle sexual harassment and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure a safer campus for all.
The National Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs Hildah Ofure Ozoh, FCA, welcomed the participants and emphasised the organisation's passion for creating awareness of sexual harassment and protecting the girl child. She highlighted SWAN's achievements over its 45 years of existence, including recruiting women into the accountancy profession, empowering young women with financial independence skills, awarding scholarships to indigent students, and providing assistance to the sick, elderly, disabled, and motherless children.
The seminar featured an enlightening session by the Acting Director of the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), Dr Igot Ofem, who stressed the importance of speaking out against sexual violence and playing a role in fostering a violence-free campus and society.
The Head of the Accounting Department, LASU, Prof. S.A. Bolarinwa, provided a briefing to the audience on the Department, highlighting the various programmes offered.
The Executive Secretary of the Domestic & Sexual Violence Agency, Lagos State, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasised the importance of consent and the indicators of sexual harassment.
Barr Mutiat Orulu Balogun from the Faculty of Law, LASU, provided insights into the laws against sexual harassment and the need to stand against sexual violence. Mrs Temilola Enweliku engaged the participants with tips on becoming a Chartered Accountant. The seminar included a drama session by the Accounting Department drama team and a question-and-answer session.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs Fehintola Raji, FCA, Committee Chairperson.
The well-attended seminar provided a platform for raising awareness about sexual harassment and fostering a culture of respect and consent on campus.
