By John Ikani
World’s largest and fastest-growing platform for social change, Change.org and talent discovery/promotion music platform – Industry Nite, will on Thursday (November 24, 2022), kickstart advocacy for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs through to the International Human Rights Day on December 10.
The organizations in a joint statement explained that they are launching the advocacy on the eve of the start of the 16 Days of Activism – at Bayroot Bar and Lounge Landmark in Victoria Island, Lagos State – to sensitize Nigerians about the issues impacting women and girls in Nigeria and across the globe.
According to the statement, the advocacy will canvass support for women and girls during the entirety of the 16 days campaign, adding that it is supported by the United Nations (UN), African Development Bank (AfDB) and other impactful organizations including Invictus Africa, founded by Bukola Shonibare, Nordic Hotels, Eyowo and Sanaa Afrika.
It went on to note that the advocacy will enjoy support from influencers and creatives that include Blaqbonez, Dija, Alhanislam as well as goodwill messages from renowned American poets and songwriters like J Ivy, Aja Monet and Defi.
Underscoring the significance of the advocacy, Change.org Nigeria’s Country Director, Wale Ajiboye was quoted as saying “the need to promote gender equality and exponentially eradicate sexual and gender-based violence worldwide had become necessary as gender equality and gender-based violence emerged as the largest topics of discussion and decision-maker engagement with over 9 victories in Nigeria via Change.org.”
According to him: “There are several petitions on Change.org with a combined supporter base of 500K+ people that address the issue of child marriage in Nigeria,” adding that “sexual harassment accounts for about 25% of all petitions started on the platform.”
On his part, the Founder of Industry Nite, Matthew Ohio said the talent discovery/promotion music platform “is thrilled to be a part of the 16 Days of Activism,” adding that “Industry Nite has helped many upcoming and successful female artists, including Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr, over the last 13 years.”
He went on to note that the advocacy “will feature incredible female talents in music, dance, and spoken word – these creatives will speak on behalf of our women and girls – with the aim of raising awareness.”
It is worthwhile to note that the 2022 Activism against Gender-Based Violence is supported by the United Nations through the Secretary General’s UNiTE by 2030 to end violence against women.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “UNiTE! Activism to end violence against women and girls.”
