The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma has urged Nigerian women to be allies in the fight against sexual harassment.
He made this statement about ongoing discussions on different platforms over a statement made by Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan on her interactions with the senate President Godswill Akpabio.
It will be recalled that Natasha in an interview with Arise Television on Friday, Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on the 8th of December 2023.
According to Nwanguma, the Natasha Akpabio sex harassment saga highlights a disturbing trend where some women, who could also be victims of sexual harassment, choose to betray and discredit a fellow woman who has spoken out against her experiences.
He added: “This betrayal is often motivated by financial gain or personal interests, rather than a genuine concern for the truth or a desire to support a fellow woman.
“This phenomenon is a stark reminder of how internalized misogyny and patriarchal norms can lead women to perpetuate harm against one another, rather than standing in solidarity and fighting for collective liberation from sexual oppression.
“It’s essential to recognize that women who speak out against sexual harassment are often met with resistance, ridicule, and victim-blaming. This can be particularly challenging when women are betrayed by their peers, who should be allies in the fight against sexual harassment.
“Ultimately, it’s crucial to create a culture where women feel supported and empowered to speak out against sexual harassment, without fear of retribution or betrayal. This requires a collective effort to dismantle patriarchal norms and promote a culture of solidarity, empathy, and understanding.”
