Develop GBV policy documents; Erelu Fayemi urges higher institutions

 

Erelu Bisi Fayemi

...as OAU launches Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy

By Temidayo Adewale

The Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has urged higher institutions in the country to come up with policy document on Gender Based Violence in a bid to rid the campuses of sexual violence and other abuses.

Erelu Fayemi stated this on Wednesday during the presentation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy document of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Erelu Fayemi acknowledged the University management and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Stakeholders for staying decisive in bringing such policy to the limelight.

 She reiterated that every institution in the country needs a policy on sexual harassment and a zero-tolerance culture.

She urged the institution to demonstrate its seriousness on the issue by implementing the anti- sexual harassment policy to the fullest and discourage the culture of abuse, silence and impunity. 

"As OAU launches this document today, I would like to appreciate all members of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee, under the able leadership of Professor Moji Olateju, for their hard work on this document. I thank the VC, Professor Eyitayo Ogunbodede for inviting me to join the ASH Committee." She stressed.

The First Lady appealed to the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee to have robust monitoring and evaluation for progress, challenges and lessons learnt.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ogunbodede, appreciated the First Lady and sought more support on Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Prof. Oluyemi Obilade, while delivering her keynote address, applauded Erelu Bisi Fayemi and her committee towards the affairs of women. She described her as a source of strength and resources to the intervention of women in Africa. She urged the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy Committee of the institution to build on the legacy of the First lady.

Also speaking at the event, the Osun State First Lady, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, said she was pleased with the inauguration of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy in the University, stressing that GBV has remained an issue for ages.

Mrs Oyetola said the government of the State of Osun had stepped up the legal framework on Gender-Based Violence and other sexual crimes.