The Dorothy Njemanze Foundation and Nguvu Collective at the Red Shoe Campaign Event
By Cynthia Umeh
On March 15, 2024, Shades of Us participated in the #RedShoeCampaign organized by Nguvu Collective and the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF). This campaign was aimed at combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and supporting survivors of sexual, and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
In 2009, Mexican artist Elina Chauvet took a stand against gendered violence by staging an art installation featuring red shoes. This powerful protest, symbolizing the bloodshed faced by women in Mexico due to femicide, and domestic and sexualized violence, sparked a global movement. Inspired by Chauvet’s initiative, artists and activists worldwide have joined forces to honor her protest and raise awareness about the plight of survivors. Red, in this context, also symbolizes love and unity, providing a platform for people to come together in support of survivors and condemnation of gender-based violence.
In Nigeria, the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation is dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Dorothy Njemanze, the founder of the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, highlighted that the organization’s collaboration with the campaign perfectly aligns with its core mission of empowering survivors and advocating for their rights.
The Red Shoe Campaign in Nigeria holds symbolic significance, representing the voices and journeys of women and sexual and gender-based violence survivors across Nigeria. It serves as a poignant reminder of the bloodshed and suffering experienced by these individuals, highlighting the urgent need to address and end all forms of violence against women.
When asked about her hopes for Nigeria regarding investments in protecting women and ending gender-based violence, Miss Opeyemi, the Programs Officer at Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by survivors. She stressed the need for improved access to justice, citing numerous cases where survivors lacked the resources or support to pursue legal action against their abusers. She called for reforms within the justice system to ensure that survivors can seek justice without financial barriers.
The campaign also showcased the Human Matter exhibition, which aimed to influence policy directions and government actions. By sharing stories and raising awareness, the campaign seeks not only to shed light on the realities faced by women but also to advocate for tangible policy changes that can improve the lives of survivors.
At Shades of Us, we are firm believers in the transformative power of storytelling to effect positive social change. This is precisely why we support the Red Shoe Campaign. One of our goals is to amplify the voices of survivors and stand as advocates for a future where women are safeguarded and gender-based violence is eradicated from our communities.
Together, hand in hand, we have the power to create a world where every woman feels secure, valued, and empowered to live her life without fear. Join us in our journey towards a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
