Bizman Condemns Sexual Harassment In Tertiary Institutions

A staff of Diamond Capital Investment, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mr Ogbonna Hyginus has described sexual harassment as a form of unwelcome behavior that is offensive, humiliating and intimidating.
Mr Ogbonna, who made the statement while speaking with The Tide in Port Harcourt last Monday, noted that relationship between sexes in many countries around the world occasioned a considerable amount of violence against women.
He noted that sexual harassment is above all a manifestation of power relations, and women are victims of sexual harassment precisely because ‘’ the more often there are men that are not well socialised, more vulnerable because lack of self- confidence.
He noted that data about the United States, for example, indicated that one out of every ten women was raped or sexually assaulted during her life, while more than half of all women living with men had experienced a battering or similar incident of domestic violence.
He noted that the problem of sexual harassment relates to men and women in social and economic life, which in turn, directly or indirectly affected women even in labour market.
Mr. Ogbonna stated that the most effective weapon against sexual harassment is prevention.
He noted that most successful preventive strategies and plan on sexual harassment requires the involvement of all those concerned and a clear statement of intent.
“The statement of intent should reflect on real commitment from all parties concerned to recognise the importance of the fight against sexual harassment in organization,” he stated.
“However, having an effective policy and procedures coupled with anti-harassment training for all staff, will assist in preventing harassment and support individuals who are being harassed to come forward and ensure that the problem is addressed quietly and effectively,” he said.

Confidence Onyebuchi