Sen. Ita-Giwa to Sen Natasha: No Sexual Harassment for Women Senators
Senator Florence Ita-Giwa recently stated on Arise TV that women cannot claim to be sexually harassed once they are elected into the Senate. She believes that by the time women reach such a position, they have surpassed the stage where they can be sexually harassed.
Ita-Giwa views making such allegations as a sign of weakness, emphasizing that female senators should see themselves as equals to their male counterparts.
This statement was in response to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Senator who represented Cross-River South Senatorial District believes, said it is a sign of weakness for female senators to complain about Sexual harassment.
She said, “Upon becoming a senator, one has generally surpassed the life stage where sexual harassment is a concern. You are there to serve, and all members are equal. Also, it indicates weakness; one must not tolerate it. Sexual harassment is not possible in the Senate.”
“I am not implying the lady is untruthful, but when you become a member of the Senate, you participate as an individual. You are not exclusively representing women.
“At that stage in politics, if you publicly disclose sexual harassment, it may be perceived as a vulnerability.”
She argued that by the time women are elected to the Senate, they have reached a level where such claims should not arise, as they are equal to their male counterparts. Ita-Giwa maintained that making such allegations reflects weakness and that female lawmakers should focus on their roles as equals in the Senate rather than highlighting gender differences
“On this issue, I do not concur with Senator Akpoti. A woman publicly accusing a man of making passes at her at that level is a blatant show of weakness,” she said.
She stressed that female senators should perceive themselves as equal lawmakers to their male counterparts because securing senatorial seats is not an easy task.
