Women’s Day: Lagos DSVA educates over 350 power oil employees on workplace harassment
By Sodiq Adelakun
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) partnered with Tolaram to sensitise employees of Power Oil on the pressing issue of workplace harassment.
The two-day virtual conference, under the theme “Accelerate Action,” was designed to drive substantial progress towards gender equality and the creation of inclusive, harassment-free environments in workplaces across the state.
The high-impact engagement, organised by DSVA, was aimed at addressing the pervasive issue of harassment at the workplace and equipping staff with the tools necessary to identify, prevent, and respond to harassment in any form.
The Executive Secretary of DSVA,Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi emphasised the session’s critical objective of creating workplaces where all employees feel secure and protected from any form of discrimination and harassment.
“Creating safe and inclusive environments is not just a legal or corporate obligation; it is a moral responsibility we all share,” Vivour-Adeniyi stated.
He emphasised that every workplace should be a sanctuary for employees to thrive without fear of harassment.
During the session, Oni Tumininu, the Head of Case Management at DSVA, meticulously explored various forms of workplace harassment, ranging from verbal abuse to sexual harassment, and their devastating effects on the victims.
She also provided crucial insights into the preventive measures that organizations must adopt, alongside available support services for survivors.
“We must ensure that all employees know their rights, understand the procedures for reporting harassment, and receive the necessary support should they need it, our mission is to equip employees with the knowledge to challenge and eliminate all forms of harassment in the workplace,” Tumininu said.
Chidinma Okonkwo, the Head of Health, Safety, and Environmental Department at Power Oil, thanked DSVA for its proactive approach in tackling this critical issue.
“We are grateful to DSVA for this informative session,” she said. “Reporting harassment to management or the Human Resources department is crucial. We urge employees to stand firm, be bold, and speak out when they experience or witness any form of harassment.”
The session saw active engagement, with more than 350 Power Oil employees actively asking questions and participating in discussions, showcasing the strong commitment of the staff to fostering a respectful workplace.
Also, DSVA provided informational materials on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), including a toll-free helpline, 08000-333-333, for those seeking further support.
