Top Artists, Movement Leaders, Influencers Join Forces To Fight Gender Inequality

As the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence begins Thursday 24 November, Change.org and Industry Nite, founded by Matthew Ohio, has kickstarted the Campaign to sensitize Nigerians about the issues impacting women and girls in Nigeria and across the globe.

The two organizations are joined by the United Nations, African Development Bank and other impactful organizations including Invictus Africa, founded by Bukola Shonibare, Nordic Hotels, Eyowo, Sanaa Afrika, with support from influencers and creatives such as Blaqbonez, Dija, Alhanislam and goodwill messages from renowned American poets and songwriters like J Ivy, Aja Monet and Defi.

Wale Ajiboye, Change.org Nigeria’s Country Director said the expression of power is the fundamental driver of violence against women and girls.

“This is why advocacy for gender equality is critical, if we must exponentially eradicate sexual and gender based violence worldwide. Gender equality and gender based violence emerged as the largest topics of discussion and decision maker engagement with over 9 victories in Nigeria via Change.org,” Ajiboye said.

He added that “There are several petitions on the platform with a combined supporter base of 500,000+ people
that address the issue of child marriage in Nigeria, and sexual harassment accounts for about 25% of all petitions started on our platform. Hence, the need for us to take action now!”

According to UNWomen, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs through to the International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Led by civil society, the campaign is supported by the United Nations through the Secretary General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative.

This year, the UN marks the 16 Days under the theme “UNiTE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.

“We are thrilled to be working together on the 16 Days of Activism initiative. Industry Nite has helped many upcoming and successful female artists, including Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr, over the last 13 years. This month’s show features incredible female talents in music, dance, and spoken word – these creatives will speak on behalf of our women and girls – with the aim of raising awareness,” said Matthew Ohio, Founder of Industry Nite.

Change.org is the world’s largest and fastest-growing platform for social change, where its users can start, sign and share petitions on issues that matter to them.

More than 450 million people use Change.org in around 196 countries.

Launched in Nigeria in August 2021, Change.org currently has about 3 million users in the country and has successfully piloted its movement accelerator, She Creates Change and We Create Change, which is an incubator for
civil society leaders who collectively use their voices for change.