A non-profit organisation operating in Nigeria, Centre for Gender Economic Initiative (CGE Africa), has urged victims of sexual violence to resist suicidal thoughts and instead seek justice until it is duly served.
The Executive Director of CGE Africa, Uchenna Idoko, gave this advice during an interactive session with our correspondent at the conclusion of an Activism Ideation Meeting held at Channel 45 in Calabar on Wednesday. She emphasised that sexual violence does not mark the end of life and encouraged survivors to remain resilient in the face of adversity.
Speaking on the topic, “Gender-Responsive Budgeting for Sexual Violence Prevention and Mitigation,” Idoko reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting survivors and raising awareness through innovative means.
“We want victims to be strong and hopeful. Being a survivor of rape does not mean that life has come to an end,” she stated.
She further disclosed that CGE Africa has advanced plans to use theatrical performances as a medium to amplify survivors’ voices and deepen societal awareness about sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“This meeting is part of our ongoing project titled โGender-Responsive Budgeting for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Mitigation,โ funded by the African Womenโs Development Fund (AWDF). We believe our message can be best conveyed through short drama,” Idoko explained.
“The objective is to engage stakeholders, government representatives, civil society organisations, and sector experts in a conversation about using art as a tool for advocacy. We are here to develop a theatrical play that will highlight the importance of preventing and mitigating sexual violence, gather insights from participants on this approach, and align our project itinerary with key timelines,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, Barr. Ann Awah, the immediate past Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Cross River State chapter, underscored the significance of the initiative in raising awareness and inspiring hope among survivors.
“For years, we have been advocating against sexual violence, particularly as it affects young girls and children. Today, we are moving beyond just conversationsโwe are putting together a play that will bring hope to those who may have the opportunity to watch it,” she stated.
She further highlighted the importance of storytelling in conveying the harsh realities faced by survivors.
“Through this production, we aim to illustrate the experiences of victims in communities plagued by sexual predators. We want them to understand that rape is not the end of the world. If you have suffered such trauma, do not take your lifeโseek help, speak out, and pursue justice. Perpetrators must be held accountable,” she asserted.
According to Awah, the decision to stage the short drama, set for release in June, aligns with the organisationโs commitment to advocating for survivors’ rights.
“People connect more deeply with visual storytelling. Just as it is said that if you want to hide something, put it in a book, we will ensure this message is accessible. The play will be uploaded on TikTok and other social media platforms to reach a wider audience,” she explained.
She further encouraged survivors to share their stories to inspire others, citing a character in the upcoming production who overcame her struggles to become an ambassador for survivors.
“Her journey symbolises triumph over adversity. We want victims to understand that they can rise above their pain, rebuild their lives, and use their voices to prevent others from suffering the same fate,” Awah concluded.
With this initiative, CGE Africa is reinforcing its mission to address gender inequalities through advocacy, womenโs enterprise development, and economic empowerment, ensuring that survivors of sexual violence find strength in their resilience rather than despair in their trauma.
