By Prosper Mene, April 15, 2025
A recent poll has laid open the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in Nigeria, with women across the country voicing a resounding lack of faith in the systems meant to protect them. Titled โโWe Do Not Feel Protectedโ,โ the survey conducted by BusinessDay NG reveals a dim reality: sexual harassment is a widespread, underreported scourge that thrives in public spaces, workplaces, and private circles, leaving victims trapped in a cycle of fear, shame, and systemic failure.
The poll, which gathered responses from hundreds of Nigerian women, paints a stark picture. Many recounted experiences of harassmentโranging from verbal abuse to physical violationsโin markets, public transport, and offices. Yet, the vast majority never reported these incidents. The reasons are telling: fear of stigma, victim-blaming, retaliation, and a deep-seated distrust in the legal system. โThe laws exist on paper, but enforcement is a myth,โ one respondent said. โYouโre more likely to be judged than protected.โ
Cultural norms worsens the problem, with societal attitudes often trivializing harassment or silencing women who dare to speak out. โIn Nigeria, people still think itโs normal for a woman to endure catcalling or worse, especially if the man has power,โ said Aisha Bello, a 29-year-old teacher from Abuja. The poll highlighted how these dynamics shield perpetrators, particularly those in positions of authority, while victims face disbelief or blame.
The legal system offers little recourse. Weak enforcement, costly and slow judicial processes, and a lack of institutional support leave survivors isolated. โEven when you report, the police might dismiss it as โsmallโ or ask you to settle privately,โ noted Funmi Adeyemi, a Lagos-based activist. The poll also sparked debate about the broader conversation on harassment, with some respondents pointing out that men can be victims too, though women and girls remain disproportionately affected.
Calls for change are growing louder. Activists and respondents alike are urging comprehensive reforms: stronger enforcement of existing laws, public awareness campaigns to shift cultural mindsets, and accessible support systems for victims. โWe need more than promises,โ Adeyemi stressed. โWe need actionโsafe spaces, real justice, and a society that stops excusing predators.โ
