Esther Ogunleye 

For many female students at the University of Ibadan, navigating the campus is not just about academic progress but also about staying vigilant against harassment. Street harassment, ranging from unsolicited comments to stalking, is a pervasive issue that reflects broader societal attitudes toward women. While these behaviors are often dismissed as harmless, they create an environment where female students feel unsafe and objectified.

Experiences of Catcalling, Stalking and Harassment Faced by Female Students at UI and the Role of Societal Attitudes in Normalizing Such Behaviours.

“Apart from the terrible smell we have to endure while passing their hostel , Zik and Indy boys also make it difficult to pass their hostel especially in the nights when musical concerts are done in school, they make insultive comments and even go as far as bringing out their phones to record girls or shine their flashlights when passing their hostel. I can’t walk from my hostel to the lecture hall without someone calling me insulting names” says Mary, a 200 level student at UI. These so-called “compliments” often escalate into more intrusive behavior, such as being followed or having unwanted physical contact. What might seem trivial to some is a daily reminder to female students that their presence in public spaces is frequently viewed through a sexualized lens.

Following an interview with Favour, a student, she said, “It’s just the stuff they do. And what else do they want to talk to me about other than the size of my chest and when I don’t answer, they turn it into insults. I usually use my earpiece these days but the mainly body shame.”

This harassment is not limited to off-campus areas. Even within the supposed safety of UI, some female students report incidents in classrooms, libraries, and faculty premises. Such encounters can make them feel unwelcome and less confident in spaces meant to foster their intellectual growth.

However, victim blaming is now becoming more prevalent to every complaint of sexual harassment. When female students speak out about harassment, they are often met with victim-blaming responses including “Why were you walking alone at night?” “What were you wearing?” These questions shift responsibility from the harasser to the victim, discouraging many women from reporting incidents.

Gender-based Objectification in Academic Settings; How Casual Language, Jokes, or Comments Perpetuate The Sexualization of Women.

Sexism often manifests subtly through language, perpetuating gender stereotypes and reinforcing societal biases. At the University of Ibadan (UI), as in many institutions, everyday language can contribute to an environment where female students feel marginalized or objectified.

Language shapes our perceptions and interactions. Phrases that may seem innocuous can carry underlying sexist connotations. For instance, referring to a female student as “iyawo oga” or “female engineer” implies that leadership or engineering is inherently male, and a woman’s participation is an exception. Such terms subtly reinforce the notion that certain roles are gender-specific.

 In November 2024, following Donald Trump’s re-election, far-right figure Nick Fuentes posted the phrase “Your body, my choice” on social media, a provocative inversion of the feminist slogan “My body, my choice.” This statement was widely perceived as a direct attack on women’s autonomy and reproductive rights, leading to significant backlash from feminists and women’s rights advocates.

Also, in Nigerian English, studies have highlighted gender distinctions through specific word choices, phrases and expressions, where certain gendered languages reflect a male-dominated culture. This linguistic bias can perpetuate stereotypes and influence perceptions of gender roles within academic settings.

The use of sexist language affects female students’ self-esteem and sense of belonging. When women are consistently addressed or described in ways that emphasize their gender over their abilities, it can undermine their confidence and academic performance. Moreover, such language perpetuates a culture where sexism is normalized, making it harder to challenge discriminatory behaviors.

Campus Safety Measures And The Role of the University Community In Battling Sexual Harassment

Addressing sexist language requires a conscious effort from the entire university community. Changing entrenched linguistic habits is challenging but essential for fostering an inclusive academic environment. By consciously choosing words that respect and empower all genders, the University of Ibadan can take significant steps toward eliminating everyday sexism and promoting gender equality.

Also, the management should install bright and energy-efficient street lights across parking lots, roads, and secluded areas on campus to discourage harassment and improve visibility. They can also ensure that there are late-night shuttle services to ensure that female students can travel safely without the fear of getting harassed or assaulted.

As Chioma Agwuegbo discusses in her TED Talk on Sexism in Nigeria, addressing these subtle forms of discrimination is crucial for creating a more equitable society. “What the “bring back our girls” movement did was open a can of worms on the state of our security in this country and so we marched for them, because injustice against one is injustice against all”.

“Everything matters. Because until all of us are free to achieve, aspire, be who we want to be, till we get our gender and equal opportunity bill passed, then we are not all free”. By reflecting on our language and making intentional changes, we contribute to a campus culture where every student feels valued and respected, regardless of gender.

Sexism and sexual harassment are more than just an inconvenience, they are barriers to education and personal growth for many female students at campuses across the world. By addressing this issue head-on, the university has the opportunity to set an example for other institutions and foster a culture of respect and inclusivity. For Mary, Favour and countless others, the dream is simple: a campus where they can walk freely without fear or judgment. It’s time for that dream to become a reality.