CSOs PROTEST AGAINST TRADERS’ HARASSMENT OF FEMALE CUSTOMERS IN MARKETS

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have called for an end to sexual harassment and groping especially in market places against women.

The call was made during a road march organized by Marcet March Organization in conjunction with Isero 2050 and Yali Network.

The group, comprising of men and women, who marched along Okpara Avenue into various lines in Ogbete Main Market carrying placards with inscriptions including “Nwanyibuife,” “I deserve some respect,” “Emetunaya aka,” Omara ihe ochoro.”

Addressing people in the market, the Co-ordinator of the group, Mrs. Juliet Kego, emphasized that women deserved some respect and should not be touched indiscriminately by men.

One of the participants, Mr. Chidiogo Okolo of Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) pointed out that men should protect the women rather than harassing them.

Some male traders interviewed said they touched women to call their attention to buy goods from them, while others said they were attracted by the indecent dressings of some women.

In an interview, the Chief Security Officer, Ogbete Main Market Enugu, Mr. Kasie Ezebinagu, said the management of the market had put disciplinary measures in place to check the trend and advised any victim of harassment to report to OMATA office.

Some of those interviewed applauded the campaign and described it as a development in the right direction.

EZINWANNE OKWUOLISA