WITTED TACKLES SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE IVORY TOWER
In line with the objectives of Women In Technical Education and Development (WITED), and in commemoration of International Women's day 2024 tagged "INSPIRED INCLUSION", WITED, Ilaro Chapter hosted a groundbreaking seminar to address the pervasive issues of sexual harassment in the academic environment, with the theme ‘’HANDLING SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE IVORY TOWER’’.
According to the Chapter's WITED Coordinator, Dr. (Mrs) Jumoke Soyemi in her opening remark, she emphasised that WITED is aimed at developing an encompassing and total girl-child at all levels.
According to her, this particular seminar is aimed at fostering inclusiveness, dialogue and awareness surrounding the critical issue of discourse.
The WITTED South-West Zonal Coordinator, who also doubles as the Deputy Rector (Academics) of the Polytechnic, Dr (Mrs) C. B. Iro-Idoro, in her good will message appreciated the appropriateness of the seminar and applauded in no small measure the management of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro for their support and interest in WITED activities.
She felicitates the Coordinator, WITED Ilaro chapter, her Executive and other chapter members for upholding the objectives of WITED, urging them not to relent in well doing.
The Rector Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde FCA, FCIT who was represented by the Deputy Rector (Administration) TPL Lukman Lasisi in his good will message emphasizeed that the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro has zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
He appreciated the male folks who turned out to give their solidarity and support, which according to him, demonstrated a collective commitment to addressing the menace of sexual harassment in all its ramifications.
He thereafter declared the seminar opened.
The speakers, Dr. Mrs. B. C Atulomah, the Polytechnic librarian and Mrs. O.R Tawio, the Head of Guidance and Counseling Unit of the institution took turns to take the participants to an expository journey, explaining the dangers of sexual harassment, encouraging students to be contented, not to seek undue or undeserved favor, to carry themselves with dignity, always say something whenever they see something, to understand that "NO" is a complete sentence among other admonitions
Throughout the seminar, participants engaged in candid discussions, sharing personal experiences, insights and strategies for combating sexual harassment within educational institutions.
They also examined systematic challenges and exploring possible solutions and best practices.
The success of the seminar was evident in the level of engagement by attendees, which revealed that the seminar was a spark to serve as a catalyst for positive change paving ways for students to pursue their academic aspiration free of fear of harassment, molestation, stigmatization or discrimination.
The event was graced by the Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mrs. A.F Babatola, while the Bursar was represented by Mr. Bada,
Also present were, the Dean, School of Engineering, Engr. Dr Simon
Adegbenro,that of the School of Management Studies, Dr, A.W.O. Akinleke, Dean of Information and Communication Technology Dr. J.I Orija Mr. M.O. Makajuola, Dean, School of Pure and Applied Sciences.
The Dean, School of Part-time Studies was represented by Dr Adebola Bako while the Dean, Student Affairs was represented by Djr. Oderinde
Other staff and female students of the Polytechnic were equally in attendance.
