The Niamey Guidelines to combat sexual violence and its consequences in Africa and sexual harassment: A case study of Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines the importance of the provisions of the Niamey Guidelines to Combat Sexual Violence and its Consequences in addressing sexual violence, including sexual harassment in Africa. Using Nigeria as a case study, the article examines the provisions of international and regional human rights instruments in addressing sexual harassment. It discusses the Guidelines’ approach to addressing sexual violence, including sexual harassment. The article highlights some of the salient provisions of the Niamey Guidelines on sexual violence, which include the obligation of states to prevent sexual violence, protecting and supporting victims of sexual violence, investigating and prosecuting sexual violence, ensuring reparation to implementing international and regional norms on sexual violence at the national level. The analysis of the Niamey Guidelines vis-à-vis legislation to address sexual harassment in Nigeria is grounded in asking the woman question. This refers to how laws, policies and judicial decisions take account of the lived experiences of women. Thereafter, the article discusses some of the gaps in the approach by the Nigerian government to address sexual harassment and offers recommendations for the way forward.