Stephanie Linus Daily

Tag: gender based violence

  • 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

    In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, I’m using this opportunity to once again speak out against this depressing scourge. According to data from the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women (around 736 million) are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner.

    If you look at three random young girls, there is a possibility that one of them might have experienced some form of sexual violence or will do before her mid-twenties. It is a heart-breaking thought but one that must be considered as violence against women has become a major public health crisis.

    To lend our voice to this campaign, please check out our Extended Hands Foundation Instagram page for updates and resources in addressing sexual and gender-based violence.

    The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

    And while we’re still on this topic, let’s recap the “Hey Woman” monologue which creatively addresses the various distressing thoughts that cripple a woman’s mind in the face of abuse and oppression. It is an anthem of encouragement and unity among women and men.

  • Describe Gender Based Violence In One Word

    Violence against women and girls is an unacceptable violation of basic human rights. It is so widespread that ending it must be a global public health priority.

    As a woman and someone blessed to have a platform, I made it my life’s goal to advocate for causes such as this. But the truth is, we all play a key role in standing up against violence, as men and women, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. No one can tackle it alone. All must reach for shared dignity, mutual respect and a renewed commitment to end violence against women and girls.

    The statistics say that worldwide, an estimated one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime. But it seems like it’s so much more than that! In today’s world, it seems like 2 out of every 3 women have experienced GBV! It knows no social, economic or national boundaries.

    So, as we continue to seek solutions to this scourge, let’s have a discussion about it.

    Have you directly or indirectly experienced GBV? Do you know anyone that has experienced it? How would you describe Gender Based Violence in one word?


  • Episode 10: Never Too Late #HeyWomanSeries

    Lola is a respected, successful banker making a name for herself in her professional and social circles. But at home in the eyes of her husband, she is nothing but a punching bag. How does she value herself and what kind of future will she choose?

    Too many women — no matter how smart, educated or powerful — tolerate abusive relationships for far too long. Outwardly, women may appear to be confident and smart, but inside, they only get their confidence and sense of value from being in a relationship. It’s a disturbing reality that has to change.  

    Our goal with this episode of the #HeyWomanSeries is to show people in abusive relationships/marriages that they can take their power back when they share their stories with the right people and when they make the right decisions.  

    If more people responded to victims’ stories of abuse with concern and compassion, instead of with criticism, more victims might speak up and find the support they need to live a life free of abuse. Breaking the silence against domestic violence is difficult but getting your life back is worth it!

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 9: Not This Time #HeyWomanSeries

    Ify thought she had met the man of her dreams online. After a series of chats, it was time to meet in person. But when he showed up, he was far from who she thought he was.

    In the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault, the actions carried out by a victim can be very instrumental in bringing a perpetrator to justice. While it’s natural to want to remove all signs of the attack that occurred, taking care to preserve all possible evidence will make it more likely that, if you do decide to file a report and press charges, justice can be served.

    The truth is that most victims find it difficult to show incredible courage in the face of overwhelming danger. And that is completely understandable. They might feel frightened, confused, or ashamed, and may not wish to subject themselves to the invasive nature of the reporting to the authorities or the evidence collection process.

    It is our hope that this video educates us and gives someone out there the courage to do the right thing. Let’s end this cycle of pain and shame, together.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 8: I WISH I HAD ANOTHER CHANCE #HeyWomanSeries

    After repeated incidents of battering and severe domestic abuse, Alero leaves her matrimonial home. But in a shocking response, her parents urge her to return to her abusive husband. What will be the outcome of this reckless decision?

    https://youtu.be/XPScWF_laro

    Each day, the safety and well-being of women across the nation are threatened by gender-based violence and psychological abuse. Remaining in such abusive relationships puts victims at a risk of more abuse, and even death.

    While there are barriers to escaping a violent relationship, it is not impossible with the right support. The longer you stay in an abusive relationship, the greater the physical and emotional toll. The only way to break the cycle of gender-based violence is to take action. We don’t have to lose any more women to domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in a controlling or abusive relationship, please speak out or seek help.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 7: What My Neighbor Did #HeyWomanSeries

    How do you respond to an abusive situation when the victim isn’t you, but someone close to you? What do you say? Should you do something? What difference does a neighbor’s intervention make when a life is at stake?

    People tend to not get involved in domestic abuse situations among friends, family members, neighbors and more even when they should. Part of the reason for our inaction may stem from the fact that most abuse happens behind closed doors and no one asked for our help. But victims truly do need our help.  

    There is no perfect formula to help a victim of domestic violence but with the proper education, we can all learn a variety of ways to show our support. We need to educate ourselves on how to deal with abuse when it does happen, or we risk ignoring the situation and leaving the victim to suffer.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 6: What My Neighbor Saw #HeyWomanSeries

    Someone you know is being abused. Would you call the authorities and put a stop to it or ignore the situation because it’s “none of your business”?…… A woman moves into a new house and finds her neighbours in the trap of violent relationships. What would she do?

    Knowing or thinking that someone you care about is in an abusive relationship can be very hard. You may want to rescue the victim or insist he/she leaves, but also think it’s not your decision to make. It’s normal to feel unsure about how to best approach this challenging situation. Silence, however, is never the best option.

    If you see or hear domestic violence in your neighbourhood or in a public place, you have a responsibility to do something. You can take steps to help in a discreet and wise manner. Everyone deserves healthy relationships.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 5: NA ME MARRY PASS #HeyWomanSeries

    What would you do if you had a wife who physically, verbally, and emotionally abuses you? What would do you if you feel humiliated by a controlling and abusive female partner? Is this an ideal situation? Should our society regard this as the norm?

    Women aren’t the only victims of domestic violence. Men are abused by their partners a lot more often than you may think. Along with fearing they wouldn’t be believed or would be seen as weak, men often stay in abusive relationships because they feel committed to or concerned about their partners. But this should not be the norm. Abuse is about power and control, and regardless of whether the victim is a man or a woman, it is never OK.

    In this episode of #HeyWomanSeries, we turn the spotlight on the men. Gender stereotypes dictate that men are in a position of power and so it is automatically assumed that only women are victims of domestic violence. Everyone – no matter their gender – deserves help.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 4: The Engagement #HeyWomanSeries

    A young lady is faced with a difficult decision when she becomes a victim of violent abuse from the man she is engaged to. Will she go ahead with the wedding or will she call off the engagement?  

    Sexual and gender-based violence is an all-too common and devastating challenge among young people. It’s prevalence is often tied to pervasive norms and dynamics that reinforce such abuse, and encourages women to remain in abusive relationships.  

    In this episode of the #HeyWomanSeries​, we see the brave act of a young lady who was not afraid to call it quits with a man she was engaged to. Violent behaviors in a relationship, most times, only get amplified in a marriage. It is my sincere hope that this video inspires us to make those tough, but important decisions that could literally be the difference between life and death. Let us prioritize our lives and safety over societal expectations.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 3: Good Police #HeyWomanSeries

    Linda, a victim of gender-based violence, is distraught when friends discourage her from reporting her husband to the Police. But she does anyway, and the support she finds is both shocking and welcoming.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mOrjg04JL0&t

    A victim of sexual or gender-based violence has the right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender. One of the best resources for this help is the law enforcement agencies created to protect us. The Police can help if you become a victim of crime, including rape or sexual assault.

    Our goal with the #HeyWomanSeries​ is to tell the stories from different perspectives. Law enforcement is responsible for taking reports of an assault and conducting an investigation when a crime has occurred. If you or someone you know has been a victim of gender or sexual violence, don’t be discouraged from seeking justice. Help is available.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.