ICPC calls for NGO’s support to combat workplace sexual harassment

To combat workplace sexual harassment, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has asked HEIR Women Development, a non-governmental organization, for help.

During a-one-day training on “Career Barriers and Workplace Sexual Harassment Against Young Women in Nigeria,” Mr Akibu Garba, team head of the ICPC’s Constituency Project Tracking Group, made the call.

On Monday in Abuja, HEIR Women Development hosted a workshop with the sponsorship of the Ford Foundation.

In his words, “The ICPC regards sexual harassment as a corrupt practice. There is need for victims to know their rights, as well as how to seek justice to put an end to the menace.

“The commission’s sexual harassment policy signed by our Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye has zero tolerance for any form of sexual harassment in ICPC offices nationwide.”

According to Garba, the commission’s policy on sexual harassment spells out the disciplinary procedures that should be taken against those who commit such acts.

“The conversation about sexual harassment is apt; we have so many investigations and recommendations on how to address the menace in our handbook on sexual harassment.

“We have a process where we make new staff go through it, sexual harassment is becoming worrisome based on its high rate, we are collaborating with agencies and NGO’s towards curbing it.

“We regard sexual harassment as corrupt practice and encourage victims to know their rights and how to seek justice when they experienced such social ill.

“We would like to collaborate with HEIR Women Development in this advocacy because this act has to be completely eradicated,” the ICPC official said.

(NAN)