The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have indicated their resolve to leverage the power of art to combat sexual and gender based violence (SGBV). This, they noted, is because of the potency of art as a driver of social transformation.
The Spotlight Initiative aligns strongly with the government’s gender priorities as well as the European Union and the United Nations Gender Action Points. The intervention is on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and combating SGBV and Violence Against Women (VAW).
Both bodies spoke at the premiere of the movie, Deafening Silence, a feature film on the theme of SGBV, now showing in cinemas across the country.
Starring celebrated actors such as Kate Henshaw, Chidi Mokeme, Femi Jacob, Daniel Etim-Effiong and others, the movie was premiered at the Ebony Life Place Cinema in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, funded by the EU, is a global, multi-year partnership between the European Union and the United Nations to eliminate all forms of violence and harmful practices against women and girls by 2030. It sought to pull together substantive work that has been done around GEWE and SGBV, leveraging the power of storytelling and media to create a transformative impact in Nigeria, a country where gender-based violence and harmful gender norms persist.
In Nigeria, the Spotlight Initiative was implemented in five states: Sokoto, Cross River, Lagos, Adamawa, and Ebonyi, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and ended in December 2023.
The film seeks to raise awareness and inspire action to combat GBV, promoting a society where gender equality and empowerment are fundamental values.
Deafening Silence is in three components: Film: A compelling, impactful, and thought-provoking movie that will spark broader discussions in Nigeria about gender equality, empowerment, sexual and gender-based violence, and violence against women. This movie will captivate audiences emotionally and intellectually, providing a forum for critical debate and action.
Limited Series (Eight Episodes): In collaboration with Netflix, episodes were created to delve deeper into the movie’s narratives and themes. These episodes aim to educate viewers about the complexities of gender-based violence and empower them to effect positive change.
Television series: A three to five-year television series, beginning with a one-year series, will expand on the stories told in the movie and Netflix episodes. It will advance the narrative, question traditional roles and expectations, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Speaking during the premiere, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, said: “Art is a powerful tool to promote behavioural change, fight stigma and create awareness around negative social norms. It is therefore my hope that this film will contribute to promoting gender equality and prevent gender-based violence in Nigeria and build a more inclusive society.”
In her remark, the Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, stated that Deafening Silence is more than a film. She described it as a comprehensive communication, media and visibility intervention designed to challenge biased gender norms and inspire transformative conversations.
“This movie harnesses the power of storytelling, communication, and mainstream media to catalyze societal change and promote gender equality.
“The EU and UN system in Nigeria will remain engaged in support to the Nigerian Government to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment and fight against gender based violence.
