Esther Ijewere initiates Walk Against Rape ~ Olamild Ent

Two weekends ago, I was granted an exclusive interview with the initiator of the Celebrities Walk against Rape - an event that poses to storm the streets of Lagos to campaign and inform the society about the increase in the scourge of Rape, as one of the solutions to bring abrupt end to RAPE and demand for proper punishments on perpetrators. Whether we choose to accept it or not, rape is common in our society and many women and children are dying in silence as we speak. When I heard about this walk, I just had to get a word or two from the initiator. It is nice to see Nigerians standing up for Nigeria saying enough is enough & bringing change into the society. Mushin Makeover and Enough is Enough rally is enough proof that we are making progress. Without further ado, I introduce you to my beautiful friend and sister...one whom God inspired to initiate this project.

- Tell us about yourself
My name is Esther Ijewere and I'm a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University. I have a diploma in marketing, computer programming. I am the CEO of rubies ink and we are incorporated to organizing the creative acumen of entertainment stars to suit pertinent business and social needs. I come from a family of four and I am the first daughter. I have a brother who lives in the UK with his wife and my sister just graduated, we're all raised by a single mother. That's all about me.
- Okay. I am moving on to the next question. The Walk against Rape was your idea, how did you come about it?
I'd say my passion for humanity and feminism led to it. I am not a feminist but I feel the need to be socially responsible. Rape has been looked over for too long. People are getting hurt and no one is doing anything about it. The sense of responsibility for my country is what led to this project.

- I am guessing some people don't know how rampant Rape is in our society. Sexual abuse is like an everyday activity in face me I face you houses...the rate at which it occurs in the urban area is alarming. People leave their children with family members and friends without knowing the act being carried out in their absence. I know many friends that were abused during their childhood; they are still living with the pain. Besides trying to walk to combat the act of rape, don't you think we need to educate people? You know how people perceive rape victims now.
Changing societal perception is secondary. The first step is to bring victims out of self denial. We aim to create an avenue for people to come out without feeling bad or fear being stigmatized. It's not about the people outside, it's the people inside. We are going to create workshops to educate and help those who are in self denial ignorantly. I fear that some of them might not open up for fear of being talked about after they leave. We will take them out of that phase by assuring them that it's okay to talk and no one will condemn them. It's also not their fault that they were raped. PROJECT ALERT FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN is the only organization in Nigeria that has a shelter for abused women. I have been there and some of them still would not admit that they've been abused. After the walk against rape campaign in April, we will set up a workshop. The workshop will be in May, we hope to have one in and outside of Lagos especially in the northern region. This will serve as a means of educating the victims and helping them share their stories in order to get past the pain and move on.
- Wonderful! I was actually preparing to ask for post - WAR plans but you've nailed that. I must say that I am very excited about this project because it ties with our goals @ Speakup9ja. There are several forums online where people discuss general issues. Speakup9ja is a forum fully dedicated to Rape, we want these people to speak up and get help. They can be anonymous up until the point that they feel confident enough to reveal their faces. You have our 100% percent support and this event is the homepage of speakup9ja as we speak. Esther, one thing I have noticed is that people tend not to respond to something when it's not affecting them or someone close to them. Ever so often, people are reluctant to partake in things of this nature, by people I mean Nigerians in Nigeria. I know how hard it was for me to convince some friends to partake in the Mushin Makeover. What's your take on people getting involved in things only when they are directly affected?

Well I have supported initiatives that do not affect me directly in the past because I have that sense of responsibility either to the cause or my Nation, but when an act of patriotism is targeted at a cause just because it affects you then that's called selfishness.
- According to the info online, over 5000 celebrities are expected to partake in this walk, which is huge. How were you able to gather this?

I believe everyone is a celebrity. However, people tend to follow in the footsteps of public figures. I am proud to say that most of the feedback we've received is from the men, mostly actors.
- Can you list some of them?

Fela Durotoye, Mike Ezuruonye, Jimmy Jatt, Dekunle Fuji, Terry G, K Solo, DJ Zeez, Timi Dakolo, Obi Asika and so on. It's a long list and I don't have the list here.
-Any females?

Yes we've got Tara Durotoye, Omotola Jalade, Mo Abudu, Funmi Iyanda, Joke Silver, Ara,Yemisi Ransome Kuti and so on. The idea is for the celebrities to mentor and spice up the event. We are not leaving off the students and youths in general. We have to follow up and make sure the celebrities show up on the event day.

- What do you hope to achieve with this walk?
I want young female victims to get proper justice from the government. I want proper punishment for rapist…no more bribing the police. You rape someone, you go to jail. Aunt Abike Dabiri told me that the VAW (violence against women) bill alliance for Africa was represented in the house of assembly in 2002, we need implementation. If it takes marching to the government house, we will. We will send a message to the center of excellence because they seem to forget the social menace this issue brings.
- I commend the time and effort you have put into organizing this event. I am sure you've encountered some challenges, yes?

Yes! The biggest challenge was and is sponsorship…trying to let corporate organizations buy into the vision. I just don't want them to support the cause; I want them to support the walk. Secondly, I have been attacked by several men on facebook. They say “why are we doing this? It will not end rape…” I tell them it's work in progress because we have taken the first step for those in power. I have also received negative comments from peers but it's not bothering me. God is in control. People don't want to go all the way with you until they see you succeed at the first effort.

-You know I have been following the event updates on facebook. I am aware of the involvement of Lagos State women affairs or something.
Yes, we postponed this event after it got an approval from the women affairs. We are expecting a concrete vision by the weekend. As of now, we do not know the level at which they intend to participate but I believe they will RECEIVE US WELL, GIVE PARTICIPANTS REFRESHMENTS AND HELP GET SUPPORT FROM LASTMA, LASAMBUS, KAI AND OTHER LAGOS STATE SECURITY AGENCIES.

- That's cool. So what's going to happen after April 16?

When a woman goes to the police station, police should take action. Find the perpetrator & put them to justice. More objectives will come on board as time goes on.

-How can people participate in this walk? Do they have to sign up ahead of time or just show up at the point of convergence?
Get to the point of convergence at 7 a.m. to get their kits, face cap, wrist band, lucozade, water and so on.

- This is totally out of line and I am just asking out of curiosity. How long is the walk?

The walk should go anywhere from one hour to two hours because we will pass out stickers, we will have a DJ that will play songs by women.

- Is the walk for females only?

Everyone is welcome... young old, male & female. Organizations from higher institutions in 9ja, NGO. The men will be wearing a T Shirt that says "real men don't rape women” on the back of it. We hope that sends a message to their fellow men that are potential rapists.

- Any last words?

Nigerians need to understand that we are our brother's keepers. They need to know that one does not have to sleep around to contact incurable diseases; there are other means of contacting diseases. One act of rape could result to prostitution, HIV and so on. Come out and lend a voice for our own people.
-Thank you so much for your time Esther.

Thank you, God bless you.