In a disturbing account of workplace misconduct, a Nigerian professional has come forward with her experience of persistent sexual harassment and the subsequent failure of her company's Human Resources department to address her complaints.
The Unwanted Advances Begin
Anna Ajayi first noticed the inappropriate behavior from a senior colleague she respected. What began as seemingly innocent gestures—lingering looks and accidental physical contact—gradually escalated into more overt harassment. The situation reached a critical point when the colleague cornered her near the office kitchen and explicitly propositioned her for a relationship outside work.
"I managed a quiet 'I'm not interested' and hurried away, my heart hammering," Anna recalled of the kitchen encounter. Despite her clear rejection, the harassment continued through multiple channels including suggestive emails and inappropriate WhatsApp messages sent late at night.
The Impact on Work and Well-being
The persistent harassment took a significant toll on Anna's professional performance and mental health. She began avoiding the office, changing her schedule, and even skipping work days to avoid encounters with her harasser. Her productivity declined noticeably, and she described feeling her confidence wane as she "felt like shrinking in the space that was supposed to be mine."
After reaching her breaking point, Anna decided to formally report the incidents to HR. She meticulously documented everything—including specific times, dates, messages, and incidents—hoping for a professional response to her complaint.
HR's Disappointing Response
Instead of the support and action she expected, Anna faced disbelief and skepticism from the HR department. One HR officer questioned whether she had "misinterpreted or led him on," while another suggested that the senior colleague's respected position meant there must be "more to it that's not being said."
The HR response left Anna feeling humiliated and betrayed by the very system designed to protect employees. She described leaving the HR office "feeling smaller than ever, like I had confessed a crime I didn't commit."
Continuing the Fight
Following the failed HR intervention, the harassment intensified, with the colleague apparently aware that Anna had no effective recourse within the company. A trusted friend and colleague advised her to continue documenting everything and consider transferring departments or leaving the company altogether.
Anna continues to work at the same company, navigating what she describes as a "toxic environment" while learning to assert her boundaries and consider her next steps. Despite the emotional toll, she remains determined not to be silenced.
"I am not the problem," Anna affirms. "It's a lonely, exhausting fight. But I've realized that silence only empowers them. And even if HR didn't believe me, I will not let my voice be silenced."
Her story highlights the ongoing challenges many Nigerian professionals face in addressing workplace harassment and the critical need for more effective corporate response mechanisms.
