PSO Collaborates With DSVA To Institutionaluse Sexual Harassment Prevention in Public Service

The Public Service Office (PSO), in collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual

Violence Agency (DSVA), has taken a significant step towards promoting a safer and more respectful work environment by institutionalising sexual harassment prevention policies across the State Civil Service. This initiative marks a proactive move by the Lagos State Government to ensure that all public servants operate within a framework that upholds integrity, dignity, and professionalism.

Declaring open the programme themed “Mainstreaming Sexual Harassment Prevention in the State Service”, the Permanent Secretary of the PSO, Mrs. Sukanmi Oyegbola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment and Training, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, emphasised a zero-tolerance stance towards any form of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the workplace. She reiterated that sexual harassment is not just a personal violation but an attack on the core values of public institutions, as it erodes trust, weakens morale, and undermines workforce confidence.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, provided a comprehensive overview of the scope and nature of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, outlining strategies for prevention and redress within the public sector. She highlighted the importance of continuous sensitisation and institutional support to eradicate harassment and create a culture of accountability in the civil service.

A Human Resource Expert, Dr. Oluyemi Adeosun, further enlightened participants on the “Role of HR in Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.” He stressed that every complaint must be treated with utmost seriousness and that prompt, fair investigations followed by appropriate sanctions are critical to maintaining workplace integrity. His presentation reinforced the role of HR departments as custodians of ethical conduct and employee welfare.

Additionally, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwonu of DSVA highlighted the key provisions of the “Lagos State Guidelines on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.” She described the policy document as a practical, step-by-step guide to preventing, reporting, and responding to incidents of sexual harassment. The event, attended by over 100 Directors of Administration and Human Resources from across the state, featured interactive sessions that encouraged experience sharing and active participation, leaving attendees motivated to champion a safer, more respectful Lagos State Public Service..