Ekiti First Lady cautions Workers against Sexual harassment.

The Wife of the Governor of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has cautioned government workers to stay clear of sexual harassment in the public service.

Erelu Fayemi stated this at the inauguration of Women in Management (WIM) in Ekiti State Public Service, a programme held in commemoration of the International Women’s Day in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.

She explained that the dress code in civil service should be for both gender adding that indecent dressing should not a basis for sexual harassment.

“Public Service is an institution guided by rules and regulation and as such, deliberate efforts are in place for public servants to appreciate the essence of service with dignity.” She said.

“The fact that Ekiti State promotes issues relating to gender equality, empowerment for the girl-child and women via necessary legislation, enforcement, advocacy, enlightenment and support for victims of gender-based violence cannot be controverted,” she added.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Fapohunda, urged the Head of Service to create gender violence policy to complement those made by the Ministry of Justice.

Fapohunda explained that the state public service has zero-tolerance for gender-based violence, adding that the Ministry for Justice gets complaints of sexual harassment regularly.

He urged them to treat gender-based violence complaints with immediate attention.

In her welcome speech, the Head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi revealed that international bodies would conduct a study to combat sexual harassment in the State civil service. She stressed that women in management would raise a voice against sexual violence and mentor young female officers.

The inaugurated of WIM comprises senior female government officials from Level 14 to 16 in Ekiti State Public Service.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji and other top government officials also decried sexual harassment in the service and advised severe measurest to fight against it.

The programme featured the official inauguration of Women in Management (WIM) by the First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi and a lecture themed ‘Understanding workplace sexual harassment for effective policy formulation and implementation: Ogun State Experience,’ delivered by the Director, Commercial Services, Ogun State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Jumoke Adewole.

Present at the events were the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade; Representing the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Yemisi Ayokunle, Special Advisers, Commissioners and other top government officials.