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The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), through its Campus-Campaign Against Sexual Harassment (C-CASH), is set to host a transformative event titled “Empowering Voices: A Community Engagement to Tackle Incidents of Sexual Harassment (Make We Yan).”
Ikechukwu Erojikwe, Creative Director, Campus-Campaign Against Sexual Harassment (C-CASH) said
” This significant initiative is part of a broader project, “Tackling Sexual Harassment and Transforming Institutions through Workshops and Edutainment,” a collaborative effort between UNN, the University of Pretoria (South Africa), and Michigan State University (USA). The event is scheduled for June 27-28, 2024, and promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against sexual harassment in educational institutions.
According to the Creative Director, ” The event will kick off on June 27, 2024, with an outdoor engagement featuring pre-registration activities and edutainment starting at 5:00 PM.
This opening session aims to set a positive and inclusive tone, drawing participants into an environment where education and entertainment merge to create impactful social change. The concept of edutainment, which blends education with entertainment, is a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving behavioral change, particularly in young people.
” The main events on June 28 will commence with a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, at 11:00 AM. This visit underscores the university’s commitment to addressing sexual harassment and fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. ” Following the visit, the event will move to the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, where the symposium, workshop, theatre performance, and exhibition will take place from 12:00 noon onwards.
While Dr. Ejike Oji, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Community Development Foundation, will deliver the keynote address. With over 30 years of experience in combating sexual harassment, Dr. Oji brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the event. His address is expected to provide valuable insights and inspire actionable steps towards creating safer educational environments.
The event boasts an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists from both international and local organizations dedicated to minimizing incidents of sexual harassment. Notable participants include Dorothy Njemanze, Founder and CEO of the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation; Dr. Ken Ugwu from the Water and Public Health Research Group; representatives from the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and the Mirabel Centre; and Fr. Emma Asogwa, among others. Their diverse perspectives and experiences will enrich the discussions and provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions related to sexual harassment.
One of the key objectives of the event is to highlight the dangers faced by young women and men in tertiary institutions and to create a platform for sustainable discussions aimed at reducing the incidence of sexual harassment to the barest minimum. The symposium and workshop sessions will focus on practical strategies for prevention, reporting, and support, emphasizing the importance of creating a culture of respect and accountability within educational institutions.
In addition to the symposium and workshops, the event will feature a theatre performance that uses the power of storytelling and drama to convey the realities and impacts of sexual harassment. This performance aims to engage the audience emotionally and intellectually, fostering empathy and understanding. The accompanying exhibition will showcase various initiatives, resources, and success stories related to combating sexual harassment, providing attendees with valuable information and inspiration.
The importance of arts in social change cannot be overstated. Artivism, a blend of art and activism, has been effectively used by many organizations to achieve positive social and behavioral change. Through creative expression, art can challenge perceptions, spark dialogue, and inspire action. The event’s focus on edutainment and Artivism underscores the belief that creative approaches can complement traditional methods of education and advocacy, leading to more impactful and lasting change.
The initiative aligns with several Societal Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By addressing sexual harassment and promoting gender equality, the event contributes to creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment. The collaboration between universities in Nigeria, South Africa, and the USA highlights the importance of global partnerships in tackling shared challenges and advancing common goals.
C-CASH and its partners, including the Gender and Development Policy Centre (GenCenT), the Water and Public Health Research Group (WPHRG), and Pentagram Pictures Media and Research Group, are committed to the success of this initiative. They believe that by working together and leveraging the power of education, arts, and advocacy, they can create a safer and more just society.
The “Empowering Voices” event is a call to action for all stakeholders—students, educators, policymakers, and community members—to join forces in the fight against sexual harassment. By raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and promoting practical solutions, the event aims to drive meaningful change and ensure that educational institutions are safe spaces for all. Your participation and support are crucial to the success of this initiative and to the broader goal of eradicating sexual harassment and gender-based violence in our society.
