WARIF to fight gender-based violence in tertiary institutions through arts

Women at Risk Foundation (WARIF) has launched a new initiative- WARIF Advocacy Through Arts (WTA) to create awareness, change behaviour patterns and discourage gender-based violence in tertiary institutions in the country.

The preventive programme, which will commence on February 6, 2018 at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, Lagos, would use the arts as a tool for change with theatre and role-playing as mediums.

Short skits presented by trained actors would be introduced highlighting the prevalence of sexual violence and the issues that surround gender based- violence.
The extent of the problem and the impact of the initiative will be obtained from information measured from pre and post surveys.

The second engagement takes place on February 7, 2018 at the Law Students of Nigeria Convention, University of Lagos.Speaking on the initiative, Founder of WARIF, Dr. Kemi DaSilva–Ibru, said: “We recognise the urgent need to engage the young women and men in our tertiary institutions.

“A significant number of young women are affected by this problem and create an awareness and a change in the mindset already laid down by our existing socio-cultural norms and the gender disparity that exists between the sexes.

“What better way of doing this than through the arts, which captures the mind and speaks to the heart of all those present, as well as serves as a perfect vehicle to effect social change.”Commenting on the initiative, founder Terra Kulture and a partner with WARIF, Bolanle Austen-Peters said: “Gender based violence and violence in general is unacceptable and therefore condemnable.”

Austen-Peters, who also founded BAP Productions pointed out that the arts and theatre are used to create awareness and address issues in a creative way.“Art is our weapon. Art is our voice. We celebrate our partnership with WARIF to create a brighter future and a better society.“With the widespread gender based-violence in university campuses today, there is the need to engage young women and men in these institutions,” she stated.