IWD2014 EVENT: #MARCHAGAINSTRAPE and #ORANGESCARFCAMPAIGN

On the 8th of March every year, the International Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world. This year a number of Advocates (doctors, lawyers, CSOs, mothers and the media) initiated a #March Against Rape through the use of social media to sensitize the public on rape, advocate for safer environment and policies on rape to be reviewed with stringent punishment for rapists……… from social media to action.

Young people were out in their large numbers at the popular Jabi Lake to kick off the March which was led by Timidi Digha, an online and offline activist. The March Against Rape also took place in Lagos state and visibly present was the comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka. I was blessed to be among activists at the Abuja event. Participants were given the opportunity to share their experiences and the rape stories were really nothing different from the regular stories; raped by an uncle, by a trusted friend, by a teacher and so on. The event also encouraged participants to share ideas on how to move forward from being just a march to an everyday activity evangelizing the fight against rape and other issues related to Gender Violence. I initiated the #OrangeScarfCampaign which is a movement fuelled by champions who recognise the issue of violence as it hinders development progress in Nigeria. So whereever you see an #OrangeScarf let it remind you of the fight to end gender violence and what you should do to end gender violence. I need more people to get the word out, and we need more advocates for change. See photos on the #MarchAgainstRape #Lagos and #Abuja….see if you can spot me!