Raising awareness against gender-based violence (SGBV): Mobilization of “Orange Troopers” in Nigeria
Gender-based violence (SGBV) remains a serious and worrying problem affecting many countries across the world, including Nigeria. To combat this scourge, the Nigerian government recently announced the deployment of 100,000 volunteers per state, called “Orange Troopers”, with the aim of mobilizing the local population in the fight against SGBV.
This initiative was revealed by Maryam Uwais, the Nigerian president’s special advisor on social assistance, during an interview at the Beeta Arts Festival in Abuja. According to her, the establishment of these numerous volunteers responsible for monitoring cases of SGBV in local communities will improve the situation.
Nigeria seeks to empower individuals to stand against violence by encouraging social conversations in collaboration with the National Situation Room on Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Data and Dashboard.
Since the inauguration of the Situation Room and dashboard by the United Nations, more than 28,000 cases of SGBV have been reported across the country, with more than 9,000 cases opened against the perpetrators, while more 8,000 cases are still pending before the courts.
Unfortunately, more than 8,800 cases have been withdrawn, either by the courts, due to community intervention, or because victims are afraid or intimidated into withdrawing their complaints. However, the number of convictions stands at just 455, a paltry figure compared to the number of reported cases. The number of deaths linked to SGBV stands at more than 1,250.
Orange Nigeria’s mission is grounded in nine Orange Strategic Development Programs that empower Nigerians across 8,000 local offices to take a stand against SGBV. To strengthen this initiative, volunteers, called “Orange Marshals”, will be recruited in each local office to monitor and report SGBV. This approach aims to strengthen monitoring and intervention capacities, essential to having a significant impact.
As a legislator, Maryam Uwais is also committed to pushing through failed gender equality bills to ensure their passage. It also plans to hire pro bono lawyers to expedite legal proceedings and ensure prosecutions and convictions.
The Beeta Arts Festival, an event hosted by actress Bikiya Graham-Douglas, is an initiative that uses the power of storytelling to combat SGBV in Nigeria. Films are broadcast with the aim of raising awareness and encouraging individuals to get involved in the fight against this threat.
This festival, which is in its third year, highlights stories of SGBV from Africa. It is based on the belief that creative power should not be underestimated in the fight against gender-based violence. By capturing these stories on film, it is possible to touch people’s minds and inspire them to take action.
The mobilization of the Orange Troopers in Nigeria and initiatives like the Beeta Arts Festival are important steps forward in the fight against gender-based violence. By raising public awareness and engaging local communities, it is possible to create real change and eradicate this scourge that affects so many lives.