BYPASSING #METOO: A BLUEPRINT FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT PROTECTIONS IN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
Recently, more women have come out with their experiences with sexual assault, and they have exposed sexual assaulters in the process. This movement has become known as the #MeToo movement. While it started in the USA, it has quickly spread to other parts of the world. This is despite a culture making sexual assault a norm and victim-blaming.
It is against this backdrop that this article explores sexual assault, the social factors that affect how sexual assault is treated, and the legal framework in place against sexual assault. Of particular concern is sexual assault in work environments. Despite how common it is, sexual assault against women by male co-workers is severely under-reported. Even more, no domestic law provides for sexual assault in work spaces. Instead, courts are forced to rely on international laws, amongst other options. This article recommends a framework to curb sexual assault in Nigeria.
To read the full article, click here.
UNILAG Law Review, (2020) Volume 4 Edition 1
About the Author
Vanessa Ajagu is a recent graduate of Columbia Law School and University of Amsterdam, where she earned her Juris Doctorate and Master of Laws respectively. Prior, Vanessa graduated from Queen’s University, Canada with a major in Psychology and minor in Sociology. At Columbia Law School, Vanessa was a Senior Editor for the Columbia Law Review, she coached the Foundation Moot Court, ran the U-Visa Project, conducted legal research for Professor Benjamin Liebman, and worked at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Vanessa is a Lloyd N. Cutler Fellow in International Law, presented this paper, Bypassing #MeToo: A Blueprint for Sexual Harassment Protections in Nigeria, at the Salzburg Global Seminar. Career-wise, Vanessa worked at White & Case LLP, New York and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, New York. Starting in August, she will be clerking for Judge Margo K. Brodie in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Vanessa can be contacted via email: vanessaajagu@live.com.
