The past few months have been difficult for women collectively. The harrowing and continuous news cycle of sexual and gender-based violence, at almost every corner of the country, has left us all severely scarred. Being one of the oldest, and most-widespread crimes in society today, you’d think we would have bulletproof laws to protect survivors yet the topic still remains ridden with controversy as there is little to no protection to cover all areas of this heinous crime.

The Sexual Harassment Bill, 2020 (SB. 77) is read the THIRD time and PASSED.#TodayImSenatePlenary

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 7, 2020

Back in March, we spoke about everything you need to know about the Sexual Harassment Bill which is currently making its way through Senate, and yesterday, we learnt that this bill has now passed its third reading. This means that the Bill has gone through enough considerable steps, and can no longer be amended. It also means that there are only a few steps left before this Bill becomes a part of our law, and this is definitely a feat to celebrate as young women around the country can soon rely on the provisions and protections of this Bill.

Given that we live in a country where our lawmakers still believe that women should dress ‘appropriately’ to avoid sexual assault because ‘men are not wood’, and others that have evaded responsibility even with concrete video evidence of them being physically violent with a woman, it is clear to see that it’s time for the culture of silence and rape to shift and this Bill is a step in the right direction.

You can read the provisions of the Bill here.

Featured image credits/Quartz

Tami is somewhere dissociating. Tweet her your favourite meme @tamimak_

ICYMI: The need for institutional reform in light of sexual assault laws in Nigeria