Edo State women have taken to the streets to protest against sexual harassment in the Nigerian Senate and the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who alleged that she was sexually harassed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The protest, which is part of a nationwide movement, aims to condemn the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, despite her allegations of sexual harassment.
The protesters, who gathered at the Edo State House of Assembly, Government House, and the State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Nigerian Women Rise Against Patriarchy” and “The Injustice Will Not Be Sustained” ¹.
They demanded justice for Akpoti-Uduaghan and called for an end to sexual harassment in all spheres of society.
The protest is not limited to Edo State, as women in over 20 states across Nigeria have joined in to condemn the Senate’s actions. The movement is gaining momentum, with many Nigerians taking to social media to express their support for Akpoti-Uduaghan and to demand justice for victims of sexual harassment.
The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked widespread outrage, with many arguing that it is a clear case of victim-blaming and an attempt to silence her. The protesters are demanding that the Senate reverses its decision and launches a thorough investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.
The protest is also shedding light on the broader issue of sexual harassment in Nigeria, particularly in schools, workplaces, and homes. The protesters are calling for policy reforms that will protect women and girls from sexual harassment and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
As the protest continues to gain momentum, it is clear that Nigerian women will no longer remain silent in the face of sexual harassment and injustice.
The bravery of women like Akpoti-Uduaghan, who are speaking out against their perpetrators, is inspiring a new generation of women to demand their rights and to fight for a society that is free from sexual harassment and violence.
