The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have joined forces to premiere the movie 'Deafening Silence' in Lagos, Nigeria. The film, part of the Spotlight Initiative interventions on sexual-gender-based violence (SGBV), sheds light on various aspects of SGBV, including sexual harassment and child abuse. The EU and UNDP aim to raise awareness, break the silence, and initiate a dialogue about the impact of gender-based violence. The Spotlight Initiative, launched in 2019, has invested over N1 billion in Nigeria, resulting in the establishment of 41 Sexual Assault Referral Centres and a special court for prosecuting offenders. Nigeria has reported 27,698 cases of SGBV between 2020 and 2023. The EU plans to reach every Nigerian household with the message of change by leveraging the power of Nollywood and the creative industries. The movie 'Deafening Silence' will be screened for free in select cinemas across Nigeria, with plans for a mini TV series and another production on Netflix [997a9d79].
The EU and UNDP's partnership to premiere the movie 'Deafening Silence' in Lagos is part of their joint efforts to address sexual-gender-based violence (SGBV) through the Spotlight Initiative. The film highlights different forms of SGBV, including sexual harassment and child abuse, with the aim of raising awareness, breaking the silence, and sparking a conversation about the impact of gender-based violence. The Spotlight Initiative, which was launched in 2019, has made significant investments in Nigeria, including the establishment of 41 Sexual Assault Referral Centres and a special court for prosecuting offenders. Nigeria has reported a high number of SGBV cases, with 27,698 cases reported between 2020 and 2023. The EU plans to use the movie 'Deafening Silence' as a tool to reach a wide audience and initiate change by leveraging the creative industries and the influence of Nollywood. The movie will be screened for free in selected cinemas in Nigeria, and there are plans for a mini TV series and another production on Netflix [997a9d79].