Sexual Harassment is sadly a worldwide issue. Lots of groups and associations have long fought against it locally and globally. More recently, some online-to-real life movements have been started to combat this menace in various circles such as #MeToo - which recorded so much success internationally in 2017. #MeToo made it to the cover of Time magazine with a celebration of women, who spoke up about their abuse, their abusers and the consequences on their lives, as Person of the Year. I supported the movement, because yes, #MeToo. I specially tagged 2017, the year of Women Voices. But this story is not about me.
A friend, moved by Oprah's speech at the Golden Globe and the #TimesUp movement, reported (here) her experience of sexual harassment in a Medical School in Nigeria years back. For not succumbing to the ask of sex, she was failed not once but twice by the said lecturer. She quoted him,
“Agree to sleep with me or you fail and resit the exam”.
Some of her colleagues corroborated her story in the comments, sharing their own experience with the same lecturer, other lecturers at the same institution, and at other institutions. The accused lecturer left Nigeria a few years ago and now teaches in a different country. His current employer is looking into the issue with utmost attention.
Unfortunately, this is not a lone occurrence. It is rampant even as early as in secondary schools with minors. It spills from the larger society into educational institutions, which one would think to be a safe place for the growth of intellect without fear. A student at my own medical school once narrated a close shave with a 'now Senior Colleague' some years back and I can recall multiple reports of threats (for sex and/or money) made towards members of my family at other higher educational institutions. No special characteristic -maintaining a low profile, being vocal, being nice, being sassy, being outwardly religious, studying hard- is helpful against these perpetrators, just the hope that they do not develop an interest in one. The problem continues to exist because no real actions are taken, definitely not early enough or seriously enough to ensure justice is served or to protect the victims.
Many have failed exams, watched their GPA plunge, withdrawn from schools, lost job opportunities etc. as a result of sexual harassment.
At the root of this and causing its persistence are:
1. The lack of transparency in student assessment. Most examinations and tests are still on paper, submitted to lecturers for grading, without a requirement that the scored paper be returned to the student. This gives lecturers so much power to wield over students. This is in sharp contrast to taking online assessments knowing your score immediately and learning where points are deducted.
2. The pride of many Nigerian University Lecturer is in watching students fail their courses. They often boast about how difficult it is to pass their courses when the goal should naturally be to impart knowledge and take pride in the success of their students.
3. The culture of silence and shaming of victims. Students hold back on reporting victimization including threats, harassment, and rape. Fear of further harassment, mockery by colleagues and even the 'are you the first to experience it?' comments of the society. Parents and family members are even sometimes complicit by their inaction, crippled by fear of authority and shame that may result.
4. The absence of laws and policies against harassment or poor enforcement of the policies when they exist. There is also a paucity of data from research studies conducted locally to drive the policies. Sexual harassment is hardly seen as a problem needing a solution just yet.
5. The absence of centers for sexuality and gender issues to provide safe spaces, counseling, and advocacy against sexual harassment within the school environment.
While this is predominantly common against females, there are male victims too. We all have roles to play in creating fair and safe learning environments for the coming generations. Speaking out is definitely a step closer. Taking action is even more impactful. Know a perpetrator? Report.
I hope other monster-lecturers out there learn from this. Your deeds are about to haunt you. Very soon.
(c)Bilqees