The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has launched new guidelines aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.
The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, unveiled the document at a symposium on the impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) on labour and productivity.
“Sexual and gender-based violence is not just a social ill — it is an economic wound,” she said in a statement on Thursday, stressing that harassment undermines morale, reduces efficiency, and erodes workplace productivity.
In September 2025, DSVA surveyed 549 individuals across the public and private sectors. The findings showed that more than 70 per cent had experienced some form of sexual harassment, while 89.3 per cent knew someone who had faced it.
The report also revealed that harassment cuts across all ages with 48.4% experiencing it before age 12; 28% between ages 13–17; 14.7% between 18–24; 3% between 25–34 and 1.4% at 35 and above. It added that only 4.5 per cent of respondents reported never experiencing harassment.
Vivour-Adeniyi said the guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for organisations to prevent, address, and eradicate workplace sexual harassment.
“When employees suffer in silence, when harassment goes unchecked, when survivors are left unsupported, the cost is borne not only by them but also by our businesses, institutions, and ultimately, our economy,” she said.
She added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration had declared that “silence is not an option and inaction is not acceptable.” Through DSVA, the state government would continue to provide survivors with legal aid, psychosocial support, healthcare, shelter, and hope.
“But prevention is better than cure, which is why the workplace is one of our most critical frontiers,” she said, urging employers, HR managers, unions, and stakeholders to make safe workplaces a priority.
She stressed that safe workplaces foster trust, which drives commitment, productivity, and growth. “Workplaces should never be spaces of fear, intimidation, or exploitation. They must be havens where every worker can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
Vivour-Adeniyi called for stronger policies, consistent enforcement, and a culture of dignity and respect.
Several stakeholders commended the initiative. Mrs.Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, praised DSVA for involving the private sector. Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), said: “Men lie. Women lie. But numbers don’t lie. Silence is not an option in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.”
Dr. Princess Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, Chair of the Lagos State House Committee on Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation, pledged legislative support for policies safeguarding workers’ rights. She urged stakeholders to ensure gender-based violence is not tolerated in workplaces, homes, or society at large.
