For too long, young women in tertiary institutions have navigated the unspoken reality of sexual harassment—an unwelcome comment here, an inappropriate touch there, the unshakable fear of retaliation if they speak out. Many whispered their experiences to trusted friends, some endured in silence, and others adjusted their daily routines to avoid certain faculty members or unsafe areas on campus, but silence does not mean safety.
In 2019, Education as a Vaccine (EVA) launched the project “Advocating for the Safety and Bodily Integrity of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Nigeria,” an initiative aimed at creating measures to ensure the safety and security of women in tertiary institutions. Implemented across five universities in Nigeria, the project laid the foundation for a broader movement. As a scale-up to its impact, and with support from the African Women Development Fund (AWDF), EVA extended its efforts in 2024 to Nasarawa State, focusing on Federal University of Lafia (FULafia). This initiative went beyond acknowledging the problem as it centered on amplifying survivors’ voices using storytelling, and demanding accountability, and built a future where young women could learn without fear.
The project brought together key stakeholders, including the Director of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies at FULafia, faculty members, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Partnership, female student leaders, and the EVA project team to harmonise efforts towards ending sexual harassment within the school community.
Prof. Samaila Usman Dakyes,
DVC Research and Partnership,
during the dialogue with female students, commended the partnership with EVA and highlighted existing university initiatives such as “Speak Up Day” and the Integrity Club, which promote student safety and well-being. He expressed optimism that this collaboration would strengthen and expand these efforts.
For the first time, 116 female students gathered in a space where their voices truly mattered. There was no judgment, no blame—only truth. One student shared her frustration, saying, “We are always told to dress modestly or avoid certain lecturers instead of being protected. And while our dressing is already moderate, we also need to ask—what does ‘moderate’ even mean? It differs for everyone.” The dialogue was engaging and revealing, as stories of power abuse, coercion, and fear of speaking out surfaced again and again. But these conversations did more than expose the problem it ignited a movement.
Some participants at the dialogue with female students
From this gathering, a network of Campus Champions emerged, young women equipped to lead peer advocacy, challenge harmful norms, and support survivors in reporting harassment. The fight against sexual harassment, however, is not just about amplifying students’ voices; it is about shifting institutional mindsets and demanding systemic change.
Professor Halima Amali, Director of Gender studies speaking at the policy review dialogue
Through an intensive two-day workshop, 40 academic and non-academic staff members were challenged to confront their unconscious biases. Some initially held harmful misconceptions, including the notion that a student’s attire could invite harassment. By the end of the sessions, many experienced a profound shift in perspective. “I used to believe a student’s outfit could invite harassment, but now I see that’s a dangerous mindset,” admitted one faculty staff. This change in thinking was critical—it paved the way for the development of the FULafia’s sexual harassment policy, bringing university leaders, staff, and students together to strengthen reporting mechanisms, survivor support systems, and institutional accountability.
Some participants from the policy review session
Sexual harassment is often dismissed as an exaggeration or a personal issue, but through the Campus champions identified by the EVA team with support from the center for gender and development studies, trained to use social media (digital platforms) as a tool for advocacy and whistle blowing, students were encouraged to share their lived experiences. A total of 33 entries were received, each one a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. To ensure these voices were heard, a photo exhibition was curated, visually capturing the reality of harassment on campus and making it impossible to ignore.
At the exhibition, Prof. Samaila Usman Dakyes shared his own observations of harassment within the university, reinforcing the need for collective action. “This is not just a women’s issue. It’s a human issue,” he stated, underscoring FULafia’s commitment to tackling the crisis.
Beyond policy discussions, EVA and student leaders took the fight against harassment into everyday conversations, both online and offline. A two-week digital campaign reached 12,978 people, sparking discussions on consent, breaking the stigma around reporting abuse, and shifting public perception. Offline, activities such as a football match and cookathon brought students together, challenging rigid gender norms and reinforcing solidarity.
Through these efforts, students moved from bystanders to advocates. The results of this initiative were undeniable. More students became aware of their rights and took active roles in leading the fight against sexual harassment. Stakeholders within the university committed to sustaining and expanding these efforts through continued engagement with FULafia’s Centre for Gender and Development Studies. A revised sexual harassment policy was developed, laying the groundwork for stronger prevention strategies, better reporting structures, and improved survivor support mechanisms. The DVC during the launch of the offline activities expressed support and commitment to the outcomes of the partnership between EVA and the school’s department for Gender studies, to ensure a harassment free campus.
But this is only the beginning. Young women at FULafia are no longer waiting for protection—they are demanding it. And with EVA, alongside the support of AWDF, they are ensuring that their voices will not be silenced.