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Summary
NFM will host an X Space on March 8 by 5 pm for International Women’s Day to discuss rape culture in Nigeria’s political climate. The virtual conference will feature experts, activists, and survivors advocating for systemic change.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, Naija Feminist Media (NFM) is hosting an X-Space discussion titled Deconstructing Rape Culture in Nigeria’s Political Climate.
This discussion aims to critically examine how rape culture manifests in Nigeria’s political and social structures, contributing to the normalisation of sexual violence and the silencing of survivors.
Rape culture is an environment where sexual violence is normalised and excused through misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and systemic impunity. These societal attitudes create an unsafe space for women and girls, making justice difficult to attain.
In Nigeria, sexual violence remains a pressing issue. According to the United Nations, there were 11,200 reported rape cases in 2020, showing the urgent need for action and systemic change. In recent times, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan a legislator representing the Kogi constituency protest about sexual harassment by the Senate President Akpabio. In response to her breaking the silence, Akpabio and other senior Senate leaders and his supporters shunned her and eventually suspended her from the senate for 6 months without pay.
Against this backdrop, NFM’s X Space on IWD 2025 will centre on Deconstructing Rape Culture in Nigeria’s Political Climate and will take place on March 8, 2025, at 5 PM (WAT). The X Space aims to dissect the issue of rape culture in Nigeria’s highest legislative body, as a case study on how victim blaming affects women and girls in Nigeria. It will further examine actionable strategies for creating a society where survivors are supported and perpetrators are held accountable.
The discussion will feature leading feminist voices, public health professionals Halima Urah Yahaya, social justice advocate Olomodesara Abimbola, women’s rights activists Tobiloba Akanni, Favour Eboatu, and gender equality advocate Kosisochukwu Charity Ani.
This year, NFM is also launching a series of initiatives beyond the X Space discussion, including media literacy programs and advocacy campaigns. This year’s IWD theme for NFM is #CollectiveActionNow, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts in dismantling systemic barriers to gender justice.
Naija Feminist Media urges the public to participate in this conversation at 5 PM on March 8, 2025, via its Twitter space @naijaradfems and contribute to shaping a future where sexual violence is no longer tolerated.
