Stop The Rape Culture

The UN estimates that 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner at some point in their lives. Approximately 15 million adolescent girls (aged 15 to 19) worldwide have experienced sexual assault at some point in their life. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted that Nigeria has a huge rape crisis on its hands; 1 rape was recorded every 5 hours between January and May 2020. Gender-based violence undermines the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims and yet remains shrouded in a culture of silence. Rape is an unjustifiable crime and should be treated as such. Now, more than ever, we need to promote messaging that rejects rape and sexual abuse in our society.Rape culture is more than just overt, aggressive actions:• Socially sanctioned approvals of abuse, coercion and shame in media and culture• Cultures of silence and shame encouraged and/or compelled by family, religious and other community members• Low rates of prosecution and justice for closure during rape cases• Low levels of education and counselling on rape and consentThe Global Shapers Community, Lagos Hub has produced a short film condemning rape culture end encouraging a public culture of consent and safety.