The Lagos State government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has unveiled guidelines for preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.

The executive secretary, DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said that the guideline was unveiled at the symposium on the Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on Labour and Productivity in the Workplace.

Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi said in a statement on Thursday that Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) was not just a social ill, but ”it is an economic wound”.

She said that its impact stretched far beyond individual suffering, as it disrupted workplaces, diminished employee morale, reduced efficiency, and eroded the productivity that drove collective growth.

According to her, in September 2025, the agency conducted a survey among 549 individuals, drawn from both the public and private sectors, to assess experiences of sexual harassment.

She said that the findings revealed that over 70 per cent of respondents had experienced some form of sexual harassment, while 89.3 per cent reported knowing someone who had faced it.

“The results also showed that sexual harassment has no age boundary: 48.4 per cent of respondents experienced it before age 12; 28 per cent between ages 13 to 17; 14.7 per cent between 18 to 24 years; 3 per cent between ages 25 to 34, and 1.4 per cent at age 35 and above.

“Only 4.5 per cent reported never experiencing sexual harassment.

“This reality underscores the urgent need for structured, enforceable policies that not only prohibit such misconduct but also actively foster environments of dignity, respect, and inclusivity.

“We are, therefore, pleased to launch the Lagos State Guidelines for Preventing And Addressing Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

“These guidelines, developed by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), provide a comprehensive framework for both public and private sector organisations to prevent, address, and eradicate workplace sexual harassment.

“The truth is that when employees suffer in silence, when harassment goes unchecked, when survivors are left unsupported, the cost is borne not only by them but by our businesses, our institutions, and ultimately, our economy,” Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi said.

The executive secretary said that the leadership of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had declared that ”silence is not an option and inaction is not acceptable”.

She said that through the agency, the Lagos State Government would continue to work to provide survivors with legal aid, psychosocial support, healthcare, shelter, and – most importantly – hope.

“But we also recognise that prevention is better than cure, and this is why the workplace has become one of our most critical frontiers.

“It is a call to business leaders, HR professionals, labour unions, and all stakeholders to recognise that creating a workplace free of harassment and violence is not just a moral obligation – it is a driver of growth, innovation, and productivity.

“Safe workplaces foster trust. Trust inspires commitment, and commitment translates into productivity and progress.

“Workplace should never be a space of fear, intimidation, or exploitation. Instead, it must be a haven where every worker – man or woman – can thrive, contribute, and achieve their full potential.

“Let us work together to strengthen policies, enforce standards, and most importantly, build a culture of dignity and respect in every workplace across Lagos State.

“Let us remember that sexual and gender based violence is not a respecter of age, class, gender or creed. Indeed, anybody can be a victim or survivor of these heinous crimes.

Adebola Surakat, the chief marketing officer of AXA Mansard, commended DSVA for engaging the private sector in addressing workplace harassment.

Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, the founder, Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), said that tackling SGBV required credible data and collective action.

“Men lie. Women lie. But numbers don’t lie. Silence is not an option in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence,” Mrs DaSilva-Ibru said.

Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, chairman, House committee on women affairs, poverty alleviation and job creation, Lagos State House of Assembly, pledged legislative support for policies that protect workers’ rights and well-being.

Mrs Oyekan-Olumegbon said that gender-based violence should not be tolerated in workplaces, homes or society, and urged greater collaboration among stakeholders.

(NAN)