ADHERI unveils GBV policy, emphasises role of arts in fighting violence

The Advocates for Health and Rights of Women and Youths Initiative (ADHERI) has launched a new Gender-Based Violence (GBV) policy aimed at fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to combat violence in Nigeria.

The event, held at Alliance Française in Ikoyi, Lagos, featured the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, who stressed the importance of prioritizing youth as active contributors to societal progress, calling on policymakers and society to collaborate in building an inclusive and prosperous future where young people play a central role.

Ogunlende, represented by Lagos State Youth Ambassador Zainab Aderounmu, highlighted that over 60% of Nigeria’s population is under 25, underscoring the need to include their voices in policy-making.

He cited the Nigerian Startup Act of 2022 as an example of how youth-centered policies can drive entrepreneurship, job creation, and technological innovation.

Ogunlende stressed that for policies to be effective, they must extend beyond isolated initiatives, becoming systemic solutions that incorporate education reforms, economic policies, and opportunities for mentorship and capital access for young entrepreneurs.

He argued that when youth are included, policies become powerful tools that reflect the realities and aspirations of Nigeria’s young population.

Speaking on the topic “Eliminating the Bystander Syndrome Towards a GBV-Free Lagos,” the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, highlighted the dangers of bystander syndrome and emphasized the need for proactive intervention in cases of abuse and violence.

Represented by Sheila, she explained that the syndrome describes the tendency of individuals to remain silent or inactive when witnessing wrongdoing, ultimately allowing such acts to continue unchecked.

Vivour-Adeniyi presented several strategies to combat this issue, emphasizing the importance of educating the public about the signs of abuse and encouraging the public to speak up.

She highlighted the agency’s initiatives, such as the “Virtual Response Team” (VRS) and the free helpline service for reporting cases of domestic and sexual violence. These services, accessible around the clock, aim to support survivors and ensure their protection.

The agency is also actively engaging men and boys through its “Kings and Queens Club” initiative, which educates young people on gender equality and non-violence.

The goal is to reshape harmful cultural narratives and promote mutual respect between genders from an early age.

Vivour-Adeniyi called for a collective effort, urging individuals to take action against gender-based violence by reporting incidents and challenging societal norms that perpetuate abuse.

She added that the Lagos DSVA aims to foster a safer environment for all by providing coordinated support for survivors and reducing incidents of gender-based violence across the state.

The keynote speaker, PwC Africa’s Inclusion and Diversity Leader, Bolanle Adekoya, spoke on the theme “Arts: A Catalyst in Shaping the Nigeria We Want.” She emphasized the transformative power of the arts in shaping society, stating that through storytelling, visual expression, and cultural representation, the arts can challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and foster national unity.

Adekoya highlighted the need for investment in the creative sector to amplify voices, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire a vision for a progressive and inclusive Nigeria.

Arts Programme Manager, Harry Kesiena, speaking on “Leveraging Arts to Drive Change in Nigeria” emphasized that GBV affects people of all genders and ages, and that art, as a universal language, can break down barriers, challenge harmful norms, and provide strength and healing for survivors.

He highlighted the British Council’s commitment to using the arts as a tool for social change.

He said: ”the British Council is currently engaged in various creative fields across Africa, including fashion, music, literature, and visual arts, noting that while Afrobeats is taking the global stage, other forms of art are also making significant impacts in changing harmful societal norms, even if less visibly.

He explained that through the Film Lab Africa program, supported by the British Council, young filmmakers from Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, Ghana, and soon Kenya and South Africa, are being trained and given a platform to tell their stories.

Kesiena shared three powerful stories created by filmmakers addressing GBV, including a politician exploiting vulnerable women, a doctor abusing a visually impaired patient, and a therapist helping a survivor escape an abusive relationship.

These stories highlight the power of community action and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

He added that the British Council is funding 10 films under this initiative, with three specifically addressing GBV. Notably, these films are produced by female filmmakers, showcasing the urgency and pervasiveness of GBV in Africa.

Kesiena stressed the importance of developing systems that support survivors and hold abusers accountable, aligning with the goals of ADHERI’s policy.

He said that the British Council also aims to modernize with African culture at its core, recognizing Africa’s growing and youthful population, predicting a shift in gender roles and leadership by 2030, envisioning a future where more women hold key decision-making positions.

Kesiena concluded by stressing the importance of the arts in influencing policy and uniting communities to take action against GBV. He called for an end to silence on the issue, urging stakeholders to continue working towards a society free from violence and fear.

A gender expert, Suzan Agada highlighted that GBV remains a critical issue affecting various demographics in Nigeria, with women and girls being the most affected.

She stressed that initiatives aimed at addressing and reducing these incidents are crucial for creating a fairer society where all individuals—women, men, boys, and girls—can thrive and contribute positively.

She commended the development of the policy, which incorporates the innovative use of art to communicate its message effectively.

She described the approach as a creative strategy to reach communities and raise awareness about GBV and its impact.

Agada encouraged everyone to continue collaborating and taking action to reduce GBV in homes, communities, and society.

She expressed her congratulations to the organizers of the event and wished for a successful and productive implementation of the policy.

ADHERI’s Executive Director, Emmanuel Etim said that the policy is aimed at reaching a wide range of groups, including survivors, government agencies, police, healthcare workers, schools, social service organizations, and the private sector.

The event also included a panel discussion with key stakeholders who spoke about the teamwork involved in creating the policy. They highlighted how arts and culture can be powerful tools in addressing and preventing GBV, as the policy uses art-based methods to prevent violence, support survivors, and promote positive change in society.

The program was supported by Leap Africa, PricewaterhouseCoopers Nigeria
(Pwc), the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) and Alliances Francaise.

The main highlight of the event was an art exhibition featuring works from 10 artists. Their paintings focused on themes such as the importance of women, societal issues in Nigeria, and gender diversity, using art to speak out against GBV and advocate for change.

Stakeholders on GBV were presented with a plaque of honour by ADHERI for the fight against GBV.

ADHERI presented a plaque of honor to GBV stakeholders in recognition of their efforts in combating gender-based violence.