Sexual Harassment in Nigeria’s Power Sector: Prevention and Response Toolkit

The program is coordinated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and is part of the Power Africa partnership, a United States Government-led initiative that aims to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. The PA-NPSP has identified sexual harassment as a significant issue in the Nigerian power sector, and in 2023, the program commissioned a study to expand evidence-based analysis of the problem. The study involved a comprehensive literature review, a knowledge, attitude, and practices survey, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with diverse power sector workers. The report is available on the USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) website. The PA-NPSP has developed a comprehensive Toolkit to support power sector organizations in creating a safe and respectful workplace environment. The Toolkit provides practical guidance and resources to equip sector leaders, management personnel, human resource officers, gender equality and social inclusion champions, and other individuals responsible for staff welfare in power sector organizations with the tools they need to effectively prevent and address workplace sexual harassment. The Toolkit includes a range of materials, including checklists for developing and implementing a comprehensive sexual harassment policy, establishing a confidential and robust reporting process, and conducting sexual harassment investigations. The Toolkit also includes checklists for designing and implementing sexual harassment training programs, providing support services, and implementing initiatives that enhance field safety. The PA-NPSP recommends that power sector organizations use the Toolkit to promote a safe and inclusive environment. This can be achieved by creating and implementing a comprehensive sexual harassment policy, establishing a confidential and robust reporting process, and conducting regular evaluations of holistic workplace prevention and response efforts. The Toolkit also emphasizes the importance of conducting sexual harassment "climate surveys" to monitor and evaluate the organization's progress on sexual harassment prevention and response. Additionally, the Toolkit provides guidance on how to consult additional resources to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive sexual harassment policy. The PA-NPSP's efforts to address sexual harassment in the Nigerian power sector are part of a broader initiative to improve Nigerians' access to affordable and reliable power. The program's goal is to support comprehensive power sector reform, a strengthened enabling environment, and increased private sector investment in Nigeria. The Toolkit is a critical resource for power sector organizations in Nigeria, providing them with the tools and guidance they need to create a safe and respectful workplace environment. By using the Toolkit, power sector organizations can promote a culture of respect and dignity, prevent and address workplace sexual harassment, and contribute to the overall goal of improving Nigerians' access to affordable and reliable power. The PA-NPSP's efforts to address sexual harassment in the Nigerian power sector are also aligned with the Power Africa partnership's goal of doubling access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. By promoting a safe and inclusive environment in the power sector, the PA-NPSP is helping to create a more conducive environment for private sector investment and economic growth in Nigeria.