On June 5th, 2024, CSR-in-Action had the privilege of witnessing the premiere of the highly anticipated movie ‘Deafening Silence’ at EbonyLife Place, Victoria Island, Lagos. This event, a collaboration between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), marked a significant step in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
The film, directed by Mr. Biodun Stephen, features an impressive lineup of Nollywood icons, including Kate Henshaw, Bimbo Akintola, Chidi Mokeme, Daniel Etim-Effiong, and Femi Jacobs. Through its compelling narrative, Deafening Silence highlights various aspects of SGBV, such as sexual harassment and child abuse, and underscores the importance of raising boys to respect women.
As an organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability and advancing social justice, CSR-in-Action recognises the immense power of storytelling in fostering societal change. Indeed, Deafening Silence echoes our sentiment about the urgent need to amplify voices against injustice, domestic abuse, and all forms of gender inequalities in our society. We believe that only an equitable society can be a sustainable society. The film not only raises awareness about the pervasive issue of SGBV but also sparks crucial conversations about gender equality and the unacceptability of violence.
Despite these efforts, Nigeria continues to grapple with rising cases of SGBV. According to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the country recorded 27,698 cases between 2020 and 2023.
The Spotlight Initiative, a collaborative effort between the EU and the UN, is the largest investment tool aimed at preventing SGBV. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has made significant strides, including the establishment of 41 Sexual Assault Referral Centers across 20 states in Nigeria. These centres provide essential support and legal aid to victims, ensuring they have access to justice and necessary services.
In his remarks at the event, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, represented by Ruben Alba Aguilera, Head of the Governance, Gender Human Rights, and Migration Section at the EU Delegation, articulated the film’s objective thus: “What we want to achieve is to raise awareness and make sure that we reach out to every corner of Nigeria to break the silence and open a debate about the effects of gender-based violence and bring about change.”
As thought leaders in sustainability advocacy, we are dedicated to leveraging relevant platforms to drive meaningful change. We promote impactful storytelling, believing it can significantly shape the right narratives in the fight against SGBV and other social injustices. Much like our Earth Women documentary which sheds light on the struggles of women in extractive communities in Nigeria, Deafening Silence is not just a work of art, but a testament to the power of creative industries in addressing critical societal issues. We are inspired by the film’s message and are more committed than ever to advocating for a sustainable and just society. We call on individuals, organisations, and policymakers to take action to eradicate gender-based violence and promote gender equality in Nigeria.