Women in Academics to protect girls against campus bullying, harassment

Women in Academics at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Nasarawa State, have unveiled an initiative to shield women and girls from online as well as campus bullying and harassment.

Prof. Aleruchi Chuku, President of the forum, stated this in her opening remarks on Friday in Lafia at a public lecture in honour of Prof. Shehu Abdul-Rahaman, Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the university, for his administrative inclusiveness.

The President, represented by Prof. Zara Kwaghe, Vice-President of the group, pledged to lead advocacy, create safe‑space programmes, and push for stronger reporting mechanisms to curtail all forms of bullying and harassment against women.

She explained that bullying and harassment of any kind against a woman or girl child was capable of affecting academic progress and progress in life generally.

She explained that the association was working in collaboration with the management of the institution and other stakeholders to turn the campuses into zero‑tolerance zones for gender‑based violence.

Chuku noted that the theme of the lecture, “Gender Expectations in Online Interaction and Digital Violence Targeted against Girls in Secondary Schools in Lafia Metropolis”, was carefully chosen to enlighten girls on what to do and where to seek redress when harassed.

She said that secondary school students were educated on their rights and what they were supposed to do if harassed by anybody on campus or on social media platforms.

Chuku explained that bullying and harassment had moved from the physical to the digital platforms, where women and girls were being pressured by other members of society.

“As educators, scholars, and policy influencers, we cannot ignore the growing impact of digital spaces on young girls.

“Spaces that should empower them through skills and knowledge opportunities had often exposed them to violence, discrimination and silencing.

“This programme reflects our resolve to amplify conversations that protect the dignity, safety, and future of girls and women to contribute meaningfully to global discourses on gender, education, and digital citizenship,” she added.

Chuku advised women and girls to know the kind of content and conversation they had on social media platforms because being precious beings, they must always represent positivity and good values.

The president appreciated the vice-chancellor of FULafia for his visionary leadership, steadfast commitment to academic excellence, and unwavering support for gender inclusivity and intellectual growth within the university community.

She also congratulated Prof. Mohammad Isa-Kida, vice-chancellor designate of the university and expressed optimism that he would build on the legacy of inclusiveness of the present VC when he eventually takes over the affairs of the institution.

On his part, the vice-chancellor designate, represented by Prof. Ilemona Adofu, appreciated the Women in Academics for honouring Abdul-Rahaman, the VC, for his excellence in carrying out the administration of the university.

He explained that the VC was a shining example because he had given all the staff and students of the university a sense of belonging and had maintained high academic standards throughout his tenure and wished him success in the remaining months ahead.

On their parts, Miss Ene Oka-Abah, Miss Salamatu Idris and Mrs Blessing Obande, who made presentations at the lecture, called on women to be proud of themselves and not allow anyone to make them feel inferior or bad.

They advised women and girls to always speak out when bullied or harassed so that the perpetrators could be sanctioned in line with the relevant laws.

“You should block and report anybody who bullies or harasses you on any of the social media platforms.

“You should also make sure you follow people or mentors who will impact your lives positively on social media and help you realise your purpose and focus,” they added.

Responding, the vice-chancellor appreciated the group for the honour done to him and for keying into the policy of the institution to tackle all forms of gender-based-violence and bullying.

Abdul-Rahaman assured that the institution would not tolerate any form of bullying or harassment from anybody.

He also promised to sanction anyone caught indulging in the act, no matter his or her position in the university.