Amplifying Female Students Voices on Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response

On April 4, 2023, fifty female student leaders at the University of Abuja were trained to become campus ambassadors. The training was conducted by the Gender Mobile team, which focused on campus organizing. The training kicked off with the student taking a pre-test to assess their existing knowledge of sexual harassment. This helped the trainers gauge the student's understanding of the issue and identify areas that required more attention during the training.  The training program aimed to provide the selected female student leaders with comprehensive knowledge and skills related to campus organizing and their roles and responsibilities as campus ambassadors. They were educated on various aspects of organizing events, campaigns, and initiatives on campus, with a specific focus on addressing sexual harassment. The campus ambassadors were informed about the specific policies in place at the institution and how these policies played a crucial role in combating sexual harassment on campus.  By equipping the student leaders with this knowledge, the training aimed to empower them to take an active role in creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. They were encouraged to act as advocates and empowered legally to hold institutions to account

Also a town hall forum with the theme "Sexual Harassment Prevention and Proactive Bystander Intervention on Campus" was organized at the University of Abuja. The forum aimed at engaging with campus community members about emerging issues in relation to sexual harassment and discussing solutions to identified issues.

The town hall forum was attended by members of the university's management staff, the Student Union Government, and students from various departments and academic levels. 

During the forum, various discussions and interactive sessions held. The forum also highlighted the importance of proactive bystander intervention, encouraging students to take action when witnessing situations that involve sexual harassment. Participants were also educated on the resources available to them, such as the anti-sexual harassment policy, counseling services, and reporting mechanisms, in case they or someone they know experiences such incidents. Overall, the forum served as a platform for open dialogue and collaboration towards creating a safer environment and holding the institution to account.  

Following the town hall forum, a hostel drive was conducted within the premises of the University of Abuja to promote the use of the CampusPal app as a platform for confidential reportage and case tracking.

The drive took place in both the old and new girls hostels and engaged the students in a fun and interactive manner. The drive was a huge success, with a high turnout of students who showed enthusiasm and acceptability of the initiative.