Perceptions about Indecent Dressing and Female Sexual Harassment among Students of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta

This study examined university students’ perceptions of indecent dressing and itsperceived link to female sexual harassment. It explored students' knowledge ofindecent dressing, its possible causes, and its perceived influence on sexualharassment. A descriptive survey design was used, with data collected throughquestionnaires administered to 350 students selected from a population of 2,822through multi-stage sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferentialstatistics. Findings revealed a high level (x̄ = 1.80) of knowledge of indecent dressing,with many respondents associating it with clothing that exposes private body parts(x̄ = 1.94; 1.89). Peer pressure (x̄ = 3.30), internet exposure (x̄ = 3.16), and foreigncultural influence (x̄ = 3.09) emerged as the most commonly identified causes.Respondents generally agreed (x̄ = 3.18) that indecent dressing could contribute tofemale sexual harassment by provoking unwanted attention. T-test results revealedsignificant gender differences in perception. Males rated poor parenting (t = 1.17) andforeign influence (t = 1.30) as stronger causes of indecent dressing and were morelikely to view provocative clothing as linked to sexual immorality and advances (t =3.16). However, no significant gender differences were found in views regardingsexual temptation, rape provocation, or lust, indicating a convergence of beliefsbetween male and female respondents. The study concludes that while knowledgeabout indecent dressing is high, its persistence reflects broader socio-culturalinfluences. Addressing the issue requires more than dress codes; it calls for value-based education, gender-sensitive discourse, and institutional policies that promoterespect, accountability, and safety for all students.