The Adequacy of the Law on Workplace Sexual Harassment in Nigeria

Abstract

Workplace sexual harassment is a global menace confronting several employees in most organizations today. It is a sui generis form of sexual harassment because it occurs within the precincts of employment relationship which defies every tenet of decent work. Workplace sexual harassment peculiarity is hinged on the unequal bargaining power that has existed from time immemorial within employment relationship. Although, women are majorly victims of workplace sexual harassment, it does not change the narrative that men are also victims of this menace. In line with the 8^th Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations on decent work, countries across the globe are taking concerted efforts to prohibit workplace sexual harassment. In Nigeria, workplace sexual harassment policy or law is yet to see the light of the day due to myriad of factors. This article examines the legal framework for workplace sexual harassment in Nigeria and provides a comparative analysis with selected jurisdictions and it is the submission of this paper that workplace sexual harassment laws should be punitive rather than compensatory.

Keywords: Workplace, Sexual Harassment, Decent Work, Employment Relationship

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/136-06

Publication date:September 30^th 2023