Jane Ezirigwe

Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Nigeria

Title: Women's Leadership Begins with Safety: Insights from Sexual Harassment and Safeguarding Interventions in Nigeria

---

Biography

Jane Ezirigwe is an Associate Professor at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies with over 20 years of experience in law practice, legal research, advocacy, education, and knowledge mobilization across five continents. She employs socio-legal methods to develop evidence-based solutions at the intersections of human-technology-environment partnerships, particularly while mainstreaming gender and racial justice. She has published over 50 scholarly works in esteemed outlets such as Law, Technology and Humans, Journal of African Law, Law and Development Review, and The Conversation. Dr. Ezirigwe has led over 20 research projects that have informed policy and addressed societal issues, working closely with vulnerable communities to advance social justice. She is a member of the AfCFTA Advisory Council and has served as a legal and policy consultant to several governments and international organisations. 

Abstract

Recent high profile incidents in Nigeria have intensified scrutiny on sexual harassment and gender based violence, exposing the deep systemic barriers that undermine women’s safety and limit their access to leadership. Public allegations involving senior officials, alongside persistent cases within educational institutions and workplaces, demonstrate that sexual harassment is not merely a private harm but a governance challenge that restricts women’s participation in political, economic, and social life.

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of three pivotal safeguarding interventions led by the Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL), illustrating the complex relationship between gender based violence and women’s empowerment in Nigeria. Particular attention is given to the politically sensitive case of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, who has accused the Senate President of sexual harassment. The paper also reviews emerging legal frameworks and judicial precedents shaping Nigeria’s evolving response to sexual harassment.

Findings show that although public awareness and advocacy have increased, accountability mechanisms and access to justice remain weak. Safe, confidential reporting systems are scarce, and where they exist, they often fail to address entrenched power imbalances, stigma, and fear, especially among students and young women who lack trust in institutional responses.

To drive meaningful change, the paper argues for a shift from reactive responses to a comprehensive, prevention oriented safeguarding framework. This includes strengthening institutional accountability, integrating survivor centered reporting and support mechanisms, and cultivating leadership cultures that reject impunity. Creating safe, inclusive environments is essential for enabling women to lead without fear of harassment or retaliation.

In conclusion, sustainable progress in advancing women’s leadership in Nigeria depends on a collective commitment to transforming socio political and institutional cultures. Prioritizing women’s safety and dignity is foundational to unlocking their leadership potential. The paper calls for coordinated action by government, civil society, and educational institutions to implement policies that safeguard women’s rights and foster environments where women can thrive and lead.