The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Pauline Tallen, has called for support for the ministry’s quest to end sexual harassment and violence in the workplace.
Tallen who was represented by Mr Iheanyichi Amanambu, an official in the ministry, disclosed this while speaking at the Seminar and 16-day Campaign on Ending Rape and Gender-Based Violence in the workplace in Abuja.
“Violence against women is understood as a violation of human right and a form of discrimination against women and shall mean all acts of gender-based business that results in physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm or suffering to women
“Including threats of such acts, collateral or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether in public or private life. I want us to note that gender-based violence including domestic violence and sexual violence or abuse have long affected women’s lives.
“Whether violence occurs within the workplace or outside, the detrimental effects of violence at the workplace are substantial.
“Along with this awareness has come the need for proactive strategies to facilitate safety and reduce employer’s economic losses associated with employees experience of gender-based violence.
“I, therefore, call upon you to join forces with the Ministry to fight to an end the menace of sexual harassment, and other vices in the workplaces.”