Entertainers voice against gender-based violence

As November 25 marked the beginning of the International #16daysofActivism against ‘Gender-Based Violence’ campaign with entertainers around the world pledging their support in a trendin video.

The awareness campaign is put together by European Union in Nigeria, one of the 136 EU Delegations around the world which officially represents the EU’s interests in Nigeria and ECOWAS.

Actress Adesua Etomi said Nigerians need to end the cycle of gender-based violence.

“When campaigns like this come along, it’s very easy for most of us to tune out,” she said.

“However, the truth is, you only have to look at the numbers to see how close to home this is hitting. Nigeria has to end Gender Based Violence everywhere, or it could very well be your daughter, sister or Mother that eventually ends up as a victim, God forbid. Violence against women and girls includes physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and socio-economic violence.”

On his part, veteran actor Richard Mofe Damijo said, “we cannot longer watch in silence, the time to take decision is now.”

Also, actress Omoni Oboli said, “we must all come together with one voice, to end gender based violence.”

Others who pledged their support included Waje, Ebuka, Banky W, Cohbams Asuquo, Ik Osakioduwa, MI, kid comedian Emmauella, Uti Nwachukwu, Timi Dakolo and Dakore Egbuson.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls around the world. Originating from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991, the campaign runs every year from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).

In Nigeria this year, the European Union and its member states, The Royal Norwegian Embassy and High Commission of Canada have collaborated to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights around the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The theme for this year’s campaign is #HerStoryOurStory.