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Rally participants visited the Faculty of Education at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko as well as the Ibaka Market of Akungba Akoko Community in Ondo State.
“In all it was a great success,” said Praise Ayo-Oladapo, founder of the Stand, Speak, Act Advocacy Network, which was founded in May.
Gender-based violence and other issues are not only prevalent in Nigeria but are increasing at an alarming rate, reported Ayo-Oladapo.
“Our goal is to reach out across the nation and eventually extend our impact globally,” she said, adding that she became inspired to create the Stand, Speak, Act Advocacy Network during the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee meeting in Geneva in 2023.
“There, I became deeply aware of the global struggle against violence and rape, particularly through the Thursdays in Black movement, which advocates for a world free from violence,” said Ayo-Oladapo, who serves as a WCC youth advisor. “The enlightenment I received during this meeting inspired me to contribute to this cause within my own country, Nigeria.”
The Stand, Speak, Act Advocacy Network shares a strong connection with the WCC and the Thursdays in Black movement, Ayo-Oladapo shared.
The network’s next project will be outreach programs in secondary schools throughout southwest Nigeria. “These initiatives are designed to educate young people and empower them to stand against violence and abuse,” she explained. “We are also organizing an advocacy visit to policymakers, including parliamentarians, opinion molders, and government executives, who play key roles.”
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A Sensitization Rally was organized by the Stand, Speak, Act Advocacy Network in southwest Nigeria on 6 August, 2024.
SSA
