- Almost one-sixth (15%) of Nigerians say women “often” or “always” experience sexual harassment in public spaces such as in markets, on the street, and in public transport. About one-third (34%) say this is a “rare” occurrence, while half (50%) say it “never” occurs
- Adults without formal education (20%), poor citizens (18%), and women (18%) are more likely to see sexual harassment as occurring frequently
- More than seven in 10 respondents (72%) say women and girls are “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to be believed if they complain of discrimination or harassment. However, one-quarter (26%) are not confident
- A strong majority (76%) of citizens say police and courts should do more to protect women and girls from discrimination and harassment. Only 20% believe the authorities are “doing enough”
- The most frequently cited barriers for women’s entry to and advancement in the workplace are employers’ preference to hire men (30%), women’s lack of necessary education or skills (18%), and the attitude that women should not hold paid employment (15%)
Three-quarters of Nigerians believe that police and courts are not doing enough to protect women and girls from discrimination and harassment, the latest Afrobarometer survey shows.
Results show close to one-sixth of Nigerians say women “often” or “always” experience sexual harassment in public spaces. About one-third describe such incidents as “rare,” while half say they “never” occur. Reports of harassment are higher among women, the very poor, and adults who lack formal schooling.
Most Nigerians say complaints of harassment are likely to be taken seriously, though roughly one-quarter express a lack of confidence.
The most frequently cited obstacles to women’s participation in the workforce are employers’ preference for hiring men, inadequate education or skills among women, and social norms discouraging women from working.