Spotlight on culture of sexual abuse and harassment

The Harvey Weinstein scandal has brought out into the open a history and culture of sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation that has become pervasive in day to day life in the USA and UK. Not only has it given victims a voice, it has also meant abusers are now being held to account irrespective of wealth and status. There are some exceptions, of course. It has also opened up a debate about notions of male entitlement and the casual mistreatment of women that has become normalised over time. The usual excuses for inappropriate and indecent sexual behaviour are now being held up to scrutiny and rightly dismissed and condemned. The UK Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon has had to resign claiming that what was acceptable in the past is now no longer acceptable. People have been quick to correct him that it was never acceptable just accepted because the perpetrators had power and influence.

The Black entertainment industry has a notorious reputation for misogyny and sexual violence. It might seem like there’s no point in raising it but this is probably an ideal time to call it out and hopefully put an end to it. The music industry needs to take more responsibility for the well-being of its workers and behaviour of its stars. Sexual harassment and exploitation are so endemic that it is taken for granted. That needs to change. This is important for the safety of people just trying to do a job, the professionalism of the business and the integrity of the art.

In Nigeria sexual abuse and exploitation of women have been pervasive and routine across all walks of life. Not only is the abusive behaviour normalised, it is also unchallenged. It is so ingrained in social culture that banks recruit young females to market banking products with the understanding that customers will see them as sexually available. Many of these women, single or married, are often coerced into sleeping with prospective customers in the hope of securing new account business. Lecturers in further and higher education routinely proposition female students with offers of better grades or threat of failing for sexual favours. This behaviour has gone on unchecked forever. This is a country where some regions have sought to legalise child brides. It is time for all the countries providing international aid for development and governance training to exert influence to challenge inappropriate behaviour. It is impossible to promote the empowerment and development of women when they can’t feel safe in social and professional settings.

In Nigeria, and many parts of sub Saharan Africa, there is a psycho-social dynamic driving the sexually predatory behaviour. There is an almost primordial inclination to see women as objects subject exclusively to the will of a man. It is a traditional mindset that sees man as the head of the family and women as subservient subjects with no will of their own. Unfortunately it still persists into the 21st century and shows little sign of abating. Now some men want to continue to dominate and demean the women in their lives. And women who have become high achievers, and even family breadwinners, still find themselves at the mercy of envious and insecure men who want to humiliate and brutalise them.

All societies need to take action to address sexual harassment and exploitation in professional and personal situations. A lot needs to be done to change prevailing attitudes towards sexually inappropriate behaviour. Victims should not be coerced and intimidated into silence. Also, perpetrators should not be allowed to pay off or threaten victims in order to cover up misconduct. Knowing what is appropriate behaviour and being held to account for sexually inappropriate conduct should be standards that are ingrained in the fabric of all societies.