LAGOS HOLDS SYMPOSIUM TO TACKLE WORKPLACE HARASSMENT, LAUNCHES GUIDELINES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to address workplace harassment and gender-based violence as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) on Thursday convened a symposium on “The Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on Labour and Organisational Productivity in the Workplace.”
According to a statement by the DSVA, the event, held in Lagos, brought together more than 130 professionals from key sectors including banking, oil and gas, hospitality, FMCG, and trade unions.
In her welcome address, DSVA Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, described sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as both a human rights violation and a major economic challenge. She cited data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, which estimated Nigeria’s annual economic losses from gender-based violence at $3 billion, representing about 1% of the nation’s output.
Vivour-Adeniyi also shared findings from a recent DSVA survey of 549 professionals, revealing that more than 70% had personally experienced workplace harassment, 89.3% knew someone affected, and only 4.5% reported never encountering such misconduct.
“These numbers show that SGBV is not a distant issue. It is happening in workplaces across Lagos State, affecting productivity, mental health, and economic growth,” she stressed.
Key speakers and panelists called for urgent reforms. Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, Mrs. Adebola Surakat, reiterated the private sector’s commitment to awareness and advocacy, while Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Omolara Olumegbon, pledged legislative backing to strengthen protections for vulnerable workers.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Kemi Ibru, Founder of Women At Risk International Foundation, emphasised the need for zero-tolerance workplace policies, survivor support systems, and accountability structures to curb harassment.
A panel discussion featuring experts including Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye, Dr. Nkechinyere Duru, Dr. Iyadunni Atinuke Gbadebo, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, and Comrade Abiodun Aladetan explored practical strategies for prevention and response, moderated by Ms. Anuli Aniebo.
The event also marked the launch of the Lagos State Guidelines for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, described as a pioneering framework to create safer and more inclusive organisations across the state.
Closing the symposium, Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO of Redimed Consulting Services, Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, delivered a vote of thanks, commending stakeholders for advancing the fight against SGBV.
Organisers emphasised that workplace harassment remains a widespread problem across Nigeria, undermining employee well-being, reducing productivity, and threatening organisational growth.
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