Sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue in many Nigerian workplaces, affecting both men and women — though women are disproportionately impacted. This toxic behavior not only violates the dignity of individuals but also undermines productivity, morale, and the overall organizational culture. As Nigeria continues to push for gender equity and safer working environments, organizations must take deliberate steps to prevent, address, and eliminate sexual harassment.
In Nigeria, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and other workplace regulations acknowledge sexual harassment as a punishable offense. However, laws alone are insufficient without proper implementation and proactive organizational measures.
Why Organizations Must Take Action
The cost of ignoring sexual harassment is high — and not just financially. It breeds a toxic work culture, increases employee turnover, and damages an organization’s public image. Employees who feel unsafe or unprotected are less productive, less engaged, and more likely to leave, resulting in brain drain and a loss of institutional knowledge.
By creating a workplace culture rooted in respect and ethical behavior, organizations can foster a more productive, inclusive, and motivated workforce. Compliance training, clear policies, and effective reporting mechanisms are crucial to achieving this.
CSAAE’s Role in Shaping Ethical Workplaces
Recognizing the urgent need to tackle this issue head-on, CSAAE has developed a comprehensive Sexual Harassment Policy that organizations can adopt and domesticate to suit their unique operational contexts. This policy is designed to help organizations build safer, more ethical workplaces by setting clear guidelines on what constitutes harassment, how to report incidents, and the disciplinary measures to follow.
Additionally, CSAAE’s Ethics and Compliance Department offers comprehensive Ethics, Risk, and Compliance trainings — empowering organizations to build strong ethical cultures, mitigate risks, and stay compliant with national and international standards.
The fight against sexual harassment requires more than policies — it demands a sustained cultural shift. With the right frameworks and training, Nigerian workplaces can become safer, more inclusive, and more productive. Now is the time to take action — and CSAAE stands ready to support this transformation.
Contact us for more information on adopting CSAAE’s Sexual Harassment Policy or enrolling your team in our Ethics and Compliance training. Let’s build safer, more ethical workplaces together!