The discussion was part of a two-day conference examining developments in gender discrimination and harassment law in the United States and globally.
Vance Center Africa Program Director Adaobi Egboka joined panelists for a conversation on Sexual Harassment in Africa at the annual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) conference hosted on January 23-24 by the Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law. The discussion, chaired by University of Chicago JD candidate Megan Cistulli, featured Furaha-Joy Sekai Saungweme, founder and regional coordinator of Africa End Sexual Harassment Initiative (AESHI), and included contributions from Joelle Nwabueze, Associate Professor at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
The panel explored the widespread issue of workplace sexual harassment across Africa, identifying its origins and emphasizing the need for stronger legal frameworks to address this issue. Egboka shared findings from a groundbreaking study recently produced by the Vance Center, AESHI, and the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU). The report, “Mapping Legal Protections Against Workplace Sexual Harassment in Africa,” examines sexual harassment laws in 22 African jurisdictions and offers recommendations for a regional legal framework to address workplace harassment. The conversation underscored the power of movement building; explored the intersection of gender, power, and consent, especially in informal labor settings; and highlighted opportunities to create a model law to standardize protections against sexual harassment in Africa.
During the Q&A session, participants delved into concerns surrounding workplace sexual harassment laws in Africa, including a discussion on the frequent use of defamation lawsuits to retaliate against victims, and the resulting chilling effect that discourages others from reporting harassment. Another question focused on the language used in sexual harassment laws, particularly the practical application of definitions of consent in situations when actions appear consensual.
The conversation also highlighted the challenges resulting from fragmented legal frameworks, as different African countries take varied approaches to addressing sexual harassment. The panel concluded with a call for continued efforts to establish clear legal measures for prevention, protection, punishment, and, where necessary, compensation for victims.