 |
| Image by PAGED Initiative at the Amplifying Voices Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Event |
By Cynthia Umeh
On November 27, 2024, the Participatory Communication for Gender Development (PAGED) Initiative in partnership with Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF) hosted a transformative discourse event at Cavic Hub, Abuja, themed ‘Speaking Out Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Its Impact on Girls’ Education’. This gathering brought together advocates, survivors, and key stakeholders to discuss actionable solutions for combating SGBV and empowering girls to access education without fear.
As a storytelling organization, Shades of Us stands firmly with the PAGED Initiative in addressing SGBV through storytelling, advocacy, and community engagement. We believe in the power of narratives to drive societal change and create a world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive.
Ummi Bukar, Project Lead at PAGED Initiative, opened the event by framing the conversation within the broader national context of SGBV. She highlighted the barriers that SGBV creates for girls, from early child marriage to sexual abuse and harmful cultural norms. She posed critical questions:
What happens next after survivors speak up?
How do we ensure girls access education without fear?
Nana Khadijah Ibrahim, a Media Advocacy Project (MAP) girl, shared her reflections on the silencing of SGBV survivors. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and community involvement to create safe environments for girls in schools, homes, and communities.
The event featured powerful insights from partner organizations actively working to combat SGBV:
Maryam Danburam – Malala Foundation
Representing the Malala Foundation, Maryam applauded PAGED Initiative’s work in equipping young girls to share their stories through films and public advocacy. She emphasized the importance of providing platforms for survivors to speak out and demand justice.
“Storytelling is a tool that sheds light on injustices and sparks action and systemic change. At the Malala Foundation, we are proud to support initiatives that ensure every girl has access to quality education.”
Miss Ukka – Give Girls a Chance (GGAC)
On behalf of Dr. Hauwa Balami, Miss Ukka underscored the connection between education and reducing SGBV. She expressed concern over girls feeling unsafe in various spaces and called for collective efforts to support the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
“Education empowers girls to break free from cycles of violence, but this can only happen if they feel safe and supported in their communities and schools.”
Dr. Ibrahim M. – Resource Person
Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the role of men in addressing SGBV, noting that men are often the perpetrators but are rarely included in discussions about solutions.
“It is crucial to educate men about the harmful consequences of SGBV and engage them as allies in this fight.”
A pivotal moment of the event was the screening of Stolen Future, a film depicting harrowing real-life accounts of SGBV survivors.
A Mother’s Fight for Justice: A mother’s daughter was gang-raped, and despite threats and societal pressure, she pursued justice. The lack of community support and weak law enforcement highlighted systemic failures.
A Teacher’s Betrayal: A girl was drugged and raped by a teacher, resulting in pregnancy. Community shame forced her into a toxic marriage, cutting short her education and ambitions.
The post-screening analysis revealed key insights:
Weak enforcement of existing laws.
Lack of community commitment to fighting SGBV.
The need for safe spaces and support structures for survivors.
The importance of holding men accountable for their actions and inactions.
The post-screening panel, titled ‘Engagement for Sustainable Action’, delved into actionable steps for combating SGBV. The session was moderated by Ramatu Ada Ochekilye, our Founder.
Dorothy Njemanze – Founder of Dorothy Njemanze Foundation
Dorothy highlighted the lack of infrastructure in schools and the failure of safeguarding policies.
“Schools must have comprehensive safeguarding systems to ensure that girls feel safe and protected. Institutions must also be held accountable for enabling environments that exploit vulnerabilities.”
She called for reforms in law enforcement and increased state responsibility in addressing SGBV cases.
Joy – National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)
Ms. Joy emphasized the importance of sensitizing schools and communities through proactive engagement.
“We’ve seen progress when we engage directly with community leaders. Men and boys must also be included in these conversations to drive cultural change.”
Hajiya Halimat – Head School Manager
Halimat advocated for integrating comprehensive sexuality education into school curricula.
“Open conversations about sensitive topics equip children with the tools to recognize and protect themselves from abuse.”
She also called for trained responders to provide survivors counseling and support services.
Adenike – National Human Rights Commission
Mrs. Adenike underscored the need for professional school guidance counselors and partnerships with religious leaders.
“Religious leaders hold significant influence in many communities. By involving them in the fight against SGBV, we can challenge harmful cultural norms and foster acceptance for survivors.”
She also emphasized post-SGBV support services, including counseling to address the long-term mental and physical effects on survivors.
Key Takeaways
Stronger law enforcement: Ensure proper training and accountability for handling SGBV cases.
Community involvement: Engage local leaders and men to create a collective front against SGBV.
Safe spaces in schools: Establish comprehensive safeguarding policies and provide access to trained counselors.
Support for survivors: Create accessible shelters and provide holistic counseling services.
The power of storytelling: Use survivor stories to challenge societal norms and inspire action.
At Shades of Us, storytelling is a powerful catalyst for change. Sharing stories of survivors helps humanize the issue, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire collective action. Our participation in this event reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of SGBV and advocating for safe, equitable spaces for all.
The PAGED Initiative’s discourse event was more than a conversation—it was a call to action. By amplifying the voices of survivors and fostering collaboration, it highlighted the urgent need to tackle SGBV and its impact on girls’ education. Together, we can break the cycle of silence and empower girls to achieve their full potential.
 |
| Images by PAGED Initiative at the Amplifying Voices Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Event |
No comments:
Post a Comment