NBA-AGC 2021: NBA Launches S*xual Harassment Policy, Commends Women’s Forum For Championing The Policy

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has launched a “Sexual Harassment Policy” drafted by the NBA Women’s Forum.

The Policy was launched at the 61st NBA Annual General Conference, AGC, which was held from 22nd to 29th of October, 2021 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The NBA President, Olumide Akpata, commended the leadership of the Forum, Prof. Oluwayemisi Bamgbose, SAN; the Chairperson of the NBA’s Advocacy Committee, Mrs. Folashade Alli as well as Dr. Foluke Dada, a former vice-president of the Lagos Bar for coming up with the policy.

He said not every man is a sexual predator, a sexist, or an apologist for male patriarchy. He went on to add that the actions of a few unprincipled people can undo the good work of many others if they are allowed unchallenged.

He observed that the policy paper is one of these difficulties, stating that it is a clear rejection of all forms of harassment and victimization, including physical, verbal, and non-verbal harassment.

The NBA President tasked the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Ekiti State and the new SAN-designate, Wale Fapohunda, and Mr. Ajagbe two work with the Forum in the enforcement of the policy.

Article 4 of the Policy provides for the scope of the Policy. It provides as follows:

“The policy applies to all companies, enterprises/businesses, both the public and private sectors, irrespective of size. The term “workplace” refers not only to the exact location where work is being done, such as an office or factory but also to locations where work-related business may be conducted.

These could include, but are not limited to:
*Work related social activities;
*Conferences and workshops;
*Official business travel;
*Business meals;
*Work-related telephone conversations;and
* Work-related communications through electronic media.”

Article 5 defines sexual Harassment as “…any behaviour of a sexual nature that affects the dignity of women and men, which is considered as unwanted, unacceptable, inappropriate and offensive to the recipient,and that creates an intimidating, hostile, unstable or offensive work environment. Actions constituting harassment may be physical, verbal and non-verbal.”

The Policy gave examples of conduct or behavior which constitute sexual harassment include Unwelcome physical contact including patting, pinching, stroking, kissing, hugging. fondling, or inappropriate touching; sexual assault;

The use of job-related threats or rewards to solicit sexual favors, Comments on a worker’s appearance, age, private life, etc.;