Report: Female, unmarried employees prone to workplace sexual harassment

Female, unmarried or young Nigerian employees are likely to experience sexual harassment at their workplace — according to a study by Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER).

The report, titled examining the prevalence, context, and impact of workplace sexual harassment in Nigeria, was based on the responses of 493 participants who had maintained some form of employment within the last 12 months.

According to the report, most participants in this study were between 18 and 30 years old.

The findings showed that 64 percent of the study participants had experienced one or more instances of sexual harassment.

Of this number, 85 percent were females while 15 were males.

The study said 91 percent of the perpetrators of workplace sexual harassment identified were male.

“The findings from this study suggest that workplace sexual harassment is persistent in Nigeria. There are also significant differences related to gender, age, and marital status in this study, such that women are more likely to experience workplace sexual harassment while men are more likely to be harassers,” the report said.

“In addition, younger and unmarried employees are more likely to experience sexual harassment than older, married employees.”

STER expressed concerns over the consequences of sexual harassment on employees’ well-being and work performance.

It called on the government, employers and organisations to put policies in place to check and probe instances of sexual harassment.

“Several employees reported experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Similarly, many employees reported low morale and decreased work performance,” it said.

“Only 38% of participants in this study reported the existence of sexual harassment policies at their workplace.

“The role of developing and enforcing national laws and policies that prevent and respond to workplace sexual harassment cannot be overemphasised. The Nigerian government is responsible for ensuring that all citizens and residents have legal and social protections against workplace sexual harassment. This can be accomplished through the ratification of international standards for workplace violence prevention and response.

“Organisations and employers play an important role in creating a safe work environment free from discrimination and harassment.”