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AWP advocates strict laws, severe penalty for sexual assault, rape

By Tobi Awodipe
28 April 2017   |   4:21 am
On the final day of the business series organised by African Women In Power (AWP), experts called for strict laws and enforcement in the rising cases of sexual harassment and rape.

On the final day of the business series organised by African Women In Power (AWP), experts called for strict laws and enforcement in the rising cases of sexual harassment and rape.

The theme of the third day of the series was “Sexual harassment and assault in the workplace: Learn how to protect yourself.”

Those who spoke at the event lamented that most organisations in Nigeria do not have strict laws regarding sexual harassment in the workplace and where they do, they do not treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

One of the speakers, Itoro Eze-Anaba, the founder of Mirabel Rape Crisis Centre, Lagos said rape must be demystified.

“If you do a survey of 10 women, at least seven would tell you they had experienced rape or know someone close to them who had been raped. Stop making excuses for rapists, because in nine cases out of 10, survivors know their attackers. They are not strangers. Do not focus on the victim, focus on the perpetrator. Name them and get them arrested and the Lagos State Government is solidly behind you,” she stated.

According to Iheoma Obibi, ignorance on sexual and reproductive health affects both sexes, but women suffer more while men are ignorant of what is appropriate behaviour.

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