The Public Service Office (PSO), in collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has concluded plans to institutionalise sexual harassment policies in the State Civil Service.
The Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Office (PSO), Mrs. Sukanmi Oyegbola disclosed in her address while declaring open a programme organised by DSVA, themed: “Mainstreaming Sexual Harassment Prevention in the State Service”.
Mrs. Oyegbola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment and Training, Mrs Olubusola Abidakun, encouraged a zero-tolerance of any form of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the Service, reiterating that sexual harassment in any form is not only a violation of individual rights, but it is an assault on the very values that hold our public institutions together.
In her words, “It erodes trust, weakens morale, and undermines the confidence of the workforce. The Public Service, as the engine room of government, must therefore stand as a model of integrity, discipline, and respect for human dignity”
Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of DSVA, gave an extensive overview of the scope and nature of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and the way forward from this scourge.
Dr Oluyemi Adeosun, a Human Resource Expert, also lectured the participants on “Role of HR in Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace”. He stressed the fact that complaints shouldn’t be viewed with levity, but prompt and fair investigation must be carried out, followed by the appropriate sanctions.
The key provisions of the “Lagos State Guidelines on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace” were highlighted by the Agency’s representative, Mrs Ifeoma Nwonu.
She said the policy document was a step-by-step guide to preventing and responding to incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace, with a better understanding of the scope and nature of sexual harassment.
The dynamic interaction between the participants and speakers created space for rich experience sharing, making the session highly beneficial to all in attendance.
Some of the over 100 Directors of Administration and Human Resources from the State’s Public Service at the event expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the practical, engaging setup of the programme.
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