Just recently, an initiative to combat gender-based violence was launched with a view to combating the monster. ADEOLA AKINBOBOLA reports.
Gender-based violence is a common social problem in Nigeria. This is so with the increase in domestic violence, sexual exploitation, forced early marriage and rape of minors especially since the inception of Boko Haram insurgency.
All these motivated the launch of ‘ARTvocacy for Gender Justice’ which represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence in Nigeria.
According to the executive director of the Initiative, Miss Precious Samson, it aims to harness the power of arts in its various forms from poetry and song to painting and filmmaking to raise awareness and advocate for gender equality and the eradication of violence against women and girls.
She explained that the Girl Child Value Support Initiative is a community-based organisation dedicated to uplifting and empowering young girls and make a significant impact on Nigerian society.
She further explained that the initiative is focused on training 100 young girls between the ages of 18 and 30 in a wide array of artistic disciplines, including poetry, drama, photography, scriptwriting, podcasts, filmmaking, animation and storytelling.
According to her, the ARTvocacy for Gender Justice seeks to equip those individuals with the tools and platform to amplify their voices and effect meaningful changes.
She said gender-based violence remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with countless women and girls subjected to various forms of abuse and discrimination daily.
She said recognising the urgent need for action, the Girl Child Value Support Initiative has taken a proactive stance by harnessing the transformative power of arts to address this pervasive societal problem.
“Through the medium of arts, participants in the ARTvocacy for Gender Justice project would have the opportunity to express their experiences, insights, and aspirations while also engaging with broader audiences to foster dialogue and promote understanding.
“By leveraging arts as a tool for advocacy and social change, the project aims to challenge harmful stereotypes, dismantle patriarchal structures and ultimately create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
“With the support of the Girl Child Value Support Initiative and its partners, including local community organisations, government agencies and civil society groups, this initiative has the potential to catalyse positive and lasting change across the country,” she said.
She noted that as Nigeria continues to strive towards a future of gender equality and social justice, initiatives like ARTvocacy for Gender Justice serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals and communities to come together in solidarity and build a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow.