Introduction:
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), under the leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, hosted a timely and thought-provoking webinar on combating sexual harassment in the legal profession. The event, titled “Combating Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession: Promoting a Safe and Inclusive Workplace,” aimed to raise awareness, promote discussion, and identify strategies for preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the legal profession.
Speakers:
The webinar featured the following distinguished speakers:
1. Dr. Ogwu J. Onoja SAN: Chairman, NBA Welfare Committee
2. Huwaila Mohammed: Chairperson, NBA Women’s Forum
3. Confidence Ezeala: Program Officer, Gender Mobile Initiative
Moderators:
The webinar was skillfully moderated by:
1. Auta Nyah: Welfare Secretary
2. Blessing Udofa-Poromon: Treasurer
Attendance:
The webinar attracted a significant audience, with over 200 members logging in to participate in the discussion.
Key Takeaways:
The webinar highlighted several key takeaways, including:
1. The prevalence of sexual harassment in the legal profession and its impact on victims.
2. The importance of creating a safe and inclusive workplace culture.
3. Strategies for preventing and addressing sexual harassment, including education, awareness, and reporting mechanisms.
4. The need for a collective commitment to combating sexual harassment in the legal profession.
Conclusion:
The webinar on combating sexual harassment in the legal profession was a resounding success, providing a platform for discussion, awareness, and action. The NBA’s commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive workplace culture is commendable, and this webinar marked an important step towards achieving this goal.
Recommendations:
Based on the discussions and insights shared during the webinar, the following recommendations are made:
1. The NBA should continue to prioritize education and awareness on sexual harassment, providing regular training and resources for its members.
2. Law firms and organizations should establish clear policies and procedures for reporting and addressing sexual harassment.
3. A collective commitment to combating sexual harassment in the legal profession is necessary, requiring the active participation and engagement of all stakeholders.
Next Steps:
The Welfare Committee intends to continue the conversation on combating sexual harassment in the legal profession, ensuring that the momentum from this webinar is sustained and built upon. Future initiatives and events will be designed to promote further discussion, awareness, and action on this critical issue.
Final Thoughts:
The webinar was highly interactive and thought-provoking, with great energy and awesome participants. It marked a significant step towards creating a safer and more inclusive workplace culture in the legal profession.
Date: Friday, 14th March 2025
