On Thursday, Lagos State made a bold move to address workplace harassment as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) organized a symposium on “The Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on Labour and Organizational Productivity in the Workplace.”
According to the DSVA, the event, held in Lagos, brought together more than 130 professionals from different sectors including banking, oil and gas, hospitality, FMCG, and trade unions.
In her welcome speech, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stressed that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is not only a violation of human rights but also a serious economic problem.
She pointed to data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, which showed that Nigeria loses about $3 billion every year—roughly 1% of its total economy—because of gender-based violence.
Vivour-Adeniyi also shared findings from a recent DSVA survey of 549 professionals. The results showed that over 70% had faced workplace harassment, 89.3% knew someone who had been affected, while only 4.5% had never encountered such behavior.
She said these figures prove that SGBV is not a far-off issue but one happening daily in Lagos workplaces, damaging productivity, mental health, and overall economic growth.
Speakers at the event called for quick action. Representing AXA Mansard, Chief Marketing Officer Mrs. Adebola Surakat said the company is committed to raising awareness about workplace harassment and urged organizations to create safer, more inclusive workplaces.
Chairperson of the Lagos State House Committee on Women Affairs, Omolara Olumegbon, said SGBV is both an economic and social problem. She assured that the House will continue to improve laws to protect vulnerable workers and promote dignity in workplaces.
In her keynote speech, Dr. Kemi Ibru, founder of Women At Risk International Foundation, explained how harassment harms workplace productivity. She called for zero-tolerance policies, survivor support systems, and organizational accountability, adding that harassment is not just a moral issue but also an economic one.
A panel of experts, including Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye, Dr. Nkechinyere (Nikky) Duru, Dr. Iyadunni Atinuke Gbadebo, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, and Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, discussed practical strategies for prevention and response. The session was moderated by Ms. Anuli Aniebo.
The event also saw the launch of the “Lagos State Guidelines for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace,” which organizers described as a groundbreaking step toward safer and more inclusive organizations across the state.
Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO of Redimed Consulting Services, gave the vote of thanks. She praised all partners and participants for supporting such an important cause.
The organizers ended by stressing that sexual and gender-based violence concerns everyone. They noted that workplace harassment—ranging from intimidation and coercion to physical and sexual abuse—not only affects victims’ health but also reduces productivity, increases staff turnover, and slows organizational growth.
