Group, Students Donate Pens to Tinubu, Drawing His Attention to The Anti-Sexual Harrasment Bill

The Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI) and students in tertiary institutions across the country have launched the “Donate a Pen to Mr President” campaign across more than 50 campuses nationwide, aiming to draw the attention of President Bola Tinubu to the anti-sexual harassment bill awaiting his assent. The bill seeks to promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary institutions, proposes up to 14 years jail term for offenders.

The pens collected throughout the week will be ceremoniously transmitted to the Office of the Nigerian President on December 15th.

Read More: Gombe State Calls on President Tinubu to Act Against Sexual Harassment in Universities

Acccording to the organisers the campaign will address what they believe to be the most immediate obstacle which is the shortage of pen at the President’s table.

The Lead Director, GMI, Ms Omowunmi Ogunrotimi, said the week-long campaign is set to unfold across more than 50 campuses, where students and the general public are encouraged to contribute red pens at designated collection points.

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, initially introduced in 2016, faced considerable resistance but was later reintroduced due to the relentless advocacy efforts of various organisations.

The symbolic gesture of “Donate a Pen to Mr President” signifies not only a tangible show of support for the bill but also serves as a visual representation of the collective determination to eradicate sexual harassment within the country’s higher education institutions.

Related: President Tinubu Launches Fulako Initiative in Response to Northern Banditry

This initiative reflects the resilience of Nigerian students and the wider community in their pursuit of a safer learning environment, free from the shadows of sexual harassment. As pens accumulate, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation united against this pervasive issue.