By Francisca Sinjae
On Saturday, 29 August 2025, the Raising Women Initiative (RWI) took to the streets from Wuse Market in a powerful awareness-raising campaign against sexual harassment. The one-day event reached 400 people with clear messages about what sexual harassment is, and what it is not.
At RWI, we believe the fight against sexual harassment must start with clarity. Too many people confuse harassment with issues like appearance or clothing choice; many simply do not know what constitutes harassment.
During this campaign, volunteers discovered that while lots of people had heard of the term “sexual harassment,” they could not fully define it. The misconception that “indecent dressing” is the cause of harassment was widely held, especially among the men we spoke with, underscoring the urgent need for continued public education.
“Most ladies dress in a way that causes them to be harassed sexually.” -Male participant.
“Sexual Harassment is when people go the extra mile.” -Female participant.
The campaign sparked important conversations about harassment, with participants voicing powerful, sometimes conflicting views:
“The trauma from being sexually harassed can cause one to commit suicide.” -Young man.
“Sexual Harassment is an abuse to humanity.” -Woman vendor at Wuse Market
The 29 August campaign was a step forward, but it was also a reminder of how much work remains. Every flyer shared, every myth challenged, brings us closer to a Nigeria where sexual harassment is recognized for what it is: a violation, not a choice.
