Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has reiterated the Corps’ commitment to guarding against all forms of harassment and violence in the Corps.
He stated this at a One-day sensitization programme organized by the NSCDC in collaboration with UN-women initiative, Germany and Norway, yesterday in Abuja.
Noting the negative effects of workplace violence and harassment, he said “in recent years, incidences of workplace violence and harassment have cast a dark cloud over numerous industries, organizations, endangering lives anded to eroding the very fabric of our workplaces.
“We have witnessed the devastating impact such conducts on individuals, teams, and ultimately on the productivity and morale of the workforce”.
“As leaders, we must create an environment where every member feels safe, respected, and valued, free from any form of violence or harassment”.
He adds that some behaviours that constitute violence and harassment in the workplace include physical assault, verbal abuse, nepotism, intimidation, discrimination and sexual harassment’.
The CG warned that that under no circumstances should such actions be tolerated within the NSCDC tasking personnel and the public to reflect on their role by creating a workplace that is conducive and mutually respectful.
“To achieve zero tolerance, we must recognize that violence and harassment are not isolated incidents but rather systemic issues that demand a wholistic approach noting the need to institute proactive measures such as robust policies, and thorough training programmes, and cultivate an open environment that encourages individuals to come forward and report matter of concern”
NSCDC National Head of Gender Unit; Assistant Commandant of Corps, (ACC), Kemi Ajet, said the workshop is not just to identify the problems associated with the workplace but to find long-lasting solutions as it has become very crucial for the public to understand the gravity of the issues and their roles in creating a workplace free from violence and any form of harassment.
“The Gender Unit has been established within the NSCDC to address the specific challenges of Sexual Gender Based Violence faced by individuals, particularly women, within our organization”
“Our goal is to create a workplace that is safe, serene, peaceful and respectful for all personnel regardless of their gender identity or background.”
Present at the meeting were the UN-Women Country representatives of Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement of the US Embassy; Shaun Gavin, the President International Academy for Gender and Peace; Professor Tyoor Terhemba among others.
