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Summary
NFM actively participated in the 2024 #16DaysOfActivism campaign, using storytelling, collaborations, and advocacy to amplify marginalised voices and raise awareness about male violence against women and girls. Key activities included amplifying stories of survivors in the media, partnering on initiatives like the Global Race Against Femicide, hosting a virtual discussion with almost 1,000 participants to address male violence and foster behavioural change and consequently developing a policy brief.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign that runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). Initiated in 1991, this campaign seeks to raise awareness, mobilise action, and challenge violence against women and girls worldwide. It calls for systemic change, emphasising the importance of individuals, communities, and governments working together to combat gender-based violence.
Naija Feminists Media (NFM), a pioneering force in Nigeria’s media landscape, played a key role in this year’s campaign. As part of the organisational effort to demystify harmful gender stereotypes, elevate Black feminist perspectives, and push for a more equitable society, our campaign for this year’s #16DaysofActivism is themed “I Am Not Your Prey or Afraid No More.” The campaign featured diverse and impactful activities, including media literacy articles, collaborations with women’s rights organisations, and the publication of literary works such as poetry and essays.
We highlighted societal issues women face, shedding light on challenges often overlooked or silenced by providing a platform for marginalised voices. During the 16 days of activism campaign, we amplified Nigerians’ voices daily through stories of survivors, media literacy content, and poems. We covered over 24 stories highlighting societal challenges women face and amplified the voices of those often marginalised, fostering greater understanding and solidarity.
Additionally, we covered organisations’ efforts during the 16 Days of Activism. We partnered with DOHS Cares Foundation to raise awareness for the Global Race Against Femicide held on November 30, 2024, in Lagos and the Gender and Development Agency GADA to advocate for systemic change. We covered activities held by the Ministry of Women Affairs, including Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s commemoration of SGBV Survivors in Nasarawa. We further highlighted the works of other civic organisations during the days, including the Town Hall Meeting held by CEPASD. Through our consistent storytelling and collaborations, we increased awareness on the importance of holding male perpetrators accountable and driving systemic change. These reports also highlighted other campaigns aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV).
To conclude the campaign, we hosted a virtual discussion via X Space on December 10, 2024. The event, themed “Facilitating Behavioural Change from Male Perpetrators of Violence Against Women and Girls,” brought together about 1,000 participants. This intellectual session provided a platform for dialogue, inspiring collective action and potential solutions to end male violence against women and girls. The speakers at the event included women advocates and lawyers engaged in intellectual discussions that lasted nearly two hours. We further created a policy brief to be made available to the populace, including lawmakers and ordinary citizens, for reference and implementation.
By fostering education, dialogue, and collaboration, NFM’s 2024 16 Days of Activism campaign left a lasting impression on over 3,000 audiences, motivating Nigerians to envision and work toward a safer, more equitable society.
