NIGERIA: WALK AGAINST RAPE ON MARCH 10, 2015

We hereby specially invite to our annual Walk Against Rape Campaign on the 10th of March in commiseration of the International Women's Day. We also use this medium to make a compassionate plea to you for support . We need donations for the following items for the successful hosting of the campaign :

- White Tshirts (Branded for the Walk)

- Face towel / Handkerchiefs

- Banners (For the Walk)

- Cardboard paper, Placards and markers

- Rape Information handbooks (For secondary and primary school students and other participants at the Walk

- Mobilisation - Inviting your friends and Family to come out and lend their voice to the cause

- Publicity - Help us use your social media platforms (BBM, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Google plus, LinkedIn etc) to help create awareness and ff us on twitter @walk_rapeng and Facebook : Walk Against Rape

If you are interested in supporting us with any of these items kindly send us a mail : walkagainstrapengr@gmail.com or call Esther - 08068653263 or
 Kola - 08056012327

Let's come together and say NO to RAPE!

Esther Ijewere-Kalejaiye
National Coordinator
Walk Against Rape Campaign Nigeria.

Read More

SOLIDSTAR JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINST RAPE ...DONATES RAPE GUIDEBOOK TO SCHOOLS

Worried over the rising incidents of rape, particularly child sexual abuse, in Nigeria, Solidstar, a Nigerian music star, has joined the fight to stop rape by launching his ‘Solidstar Rape Campaign’ with particular interest in schools.

While condemning the high rate of rape cases in Nigeria, Solidstar revealed he wants to join the galaxy of stars and celebrities who use their power and status to fight for people’s cause and rights, “I want to use my fame and fortune to put the needs of others before mine and right the wrongs of our society, especially the rising trend of rape. That’s what gave birth to this anti-Rape initiative, Solidstar Rape Campaign.”

In partnership with his music label, Achievas Music, the Solidstar Rape Campaign has already put things in place to start visiting schools all over Nigeria with a view to creating awareness on Rape amid distributing free books on Rape to students.

The Solidstar Rape Campaign is more like an educational project and a charity project from the stable of Achievas Music. This anti-rape project is targeted at pupils in private and government-owned schools, including tertiary institutions.

They intend to raise awareness of Rape and sexual abuse by offering awareness raising talks and workshops in schools – they will also distribute free educative books and materials on rape awareness.

Notable among the books Solidstar will freely distribute to schools is the highly publicised and talk-of-the-town guidebook on Rape, ‘Breaking the Silence’.

With the foreword written by Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman of House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Breaking the Silence has also been endorsed by Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State.

According to the Author, Esther Ijewere-Kalejaye, “The handbook will educate and sensitize the society on sexual abuse, the importance of reporting rape cases, where to get help, who to talk to, help lines to call and other vital information on rape and sexual abuse. The book is a ‘must have’ for everyone; parents, guardians, teachers, students (secondary schools and tertiary institutions). I welcome this great initiative by Solidstar.”

Solidstar is a Nigerian Hip hop, R&B, dancehall, afro-pop singer, producer and songwriter. He sings in English, Pidgin English and other Nigerian languages. He achieved national fame on the basis of his hit single, "One in a Million" featuring superstar, 2face.

Born Joshua Iniyezo on 8 November 1988, Solidstar hails from the Isoko minority ethnic group in Delta State, Nigeria, Specifically, his village is Aviara in Isoko South local government area of the state. He was born and bred in Ajegunle, but at present, resides in Festac Town, Lagos. He started singing and playing instruments, such as drums at the age of eight in his church choir and took to singing professionally in 2004.

He attended Goriola Primary and Oshodi Secondary School, Tolu Complex, Olodi Apapa for both his primary and secondary school education. He is looking to further his education soon.

Read More

WALK AGAINST RAPE NIGERIA BREAKS SILENCE ON RAPE – UNVEILS INFORMATION HANDBOOK BY THE COORDINATOR; ESTHER IJEWERE-KALEJAIYE, AND INTERACTIVE BLOGSPOT

Walk Against Rape Nigeria , the organisation founded to continuously help in raising awareness of sexual violence, its prevalence and effects and in particular highlight the importance and need for appropriate high quality and specialised support for survivors unveils the first of its kind handbook in Nigeria titled“BREAKING THE SILENCE” written by the National Coordinator Esther Ijewere-Kalejaiye

According to her the handbook will educate and sensitise the society on sexual abuse, the importance of reporting rape cases, where to get help, who to talk to , helplines to call and other vital information on rape and sexual abuse, the book  is a “must have” for everyone; Parents, Guardians, Teachers, Students (secondary and tertiary institution.  The book will be available in major bookshops and malls  Nationwide and it can also be purchased online.

We are also unveiling our official blogspot (www.walkagainstrape.blogspot.com) where people can get up to date information on rape cases in Nigeria, read real life stories of rape survivors, report cases of sexual abuse and helplines to report cases, the aim of the blog is to sensitise the society on the scourge of rape and how victims should be treated.

At Walk Against Rape Nigeria we have a vision of a Nigeria where the Government and criminal Justice system support and empower rape victims in all its interventions and our mission is to provide a bridge between victims and the system so that more victims break their silence  to report cases and demand for justice .
The book will be unveiled on the 11^th of October in commemoration of the“International Girl Child Day”, 
 Various celebrities such as  Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Jimmy Jatt, Ali Baba, Owen Gee, Gt the Guiterman, Gbemi Olateru Olabegi (OAP)Isio Wanogho (Model), Bolaji Rosiji, Ego Obaro, Praise Fowowe,Jerrilyn Mulbah, Jodie,Bhaira (AMBO 3), Toni Payne, amongst other top celebrities have also endorsed the walk and participated in the previous editions.

Walk Against Rape Nigeria is a project of Rubies Ink Initiative ; a Youth Development and Advocacy organisation. Written by: Esther Ijewere Kalejaiye

Read More

LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS, CELEBRITIES ENDORSE WALK AGAINST RAPE CAMPAIGN

The second edition of the much awaited (Celebrities) Walk Against Rape has once more gotten a nod from the Lagos State Ministry Of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the maiden edition of the campaign was held in April 2010 with over 1000 participants

Various celebrities such as Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Jimmy Jatt, Ali Baba, Owen Gee, Gt the Guiterman, Gbemi Olateru Olabegi (OAP)Isio Wanogho (Model), Bolaji Rosiji, Ego Obaro, Praise Fowowe,Jerrilyn Mulbah, Jodie,Bhaira (AMBO 3), Toni Payne, amongst other top celebrities have also endorsed the walk and showed great interest to participate in the walk and the one day sensitising workshop respectively

(Celebrities) Walk Against Rape Campaign is a special demonstration that brings together Nigerian Actors, Actresses, Sport Men, Media Practitioners, Musicians, DJs, Comedians, Youth Organisations, Showbiz Personalities and student delegates from various higher institutions and Secondary Schools around Lagos state to lend a voice to sexually abused women and children, particularly young girls between the ages of 3-16years and also showing their support to the course of bringing an abrupt end to RAPE in Nigeria where the number of rape cases is on the increase.

According to the Project Coordinator, Esther Ijewere Kalejaiye, “Our aim is to help in encouraging victims to speak out and reduce the stigmatization attached to the victims of sexual abuse and Rape as well as use “Walk Against Rape” as a platform to inform the society about the soaring scourge of sexual abuse especially as it relates to young girls and women in general” and also this year we intend achieving a lot more with the campaign as we would be having a one day sensitizing workshop for young people of secondary school age, young undergraduates and parents, where our Celebrity Ambassadors would be educating several young Nigerians on rape and child abuse. The theme for this year's walk and workshop is tagged: "BREAK THE SILENCE, SPEAK UP, WALK AGAINST RAPE"

The sensitising workshop will be held at the International school Unilag, Akoka on tuesday the 19th of June by 9am, while the walk is slated for thursday the 28th of June, the walk starts by 8am on , at the Police College, Ikeja (the point of convergence) and end at the Ministry Of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Secretariat, Alausa – Ikeja (point of departure) where we will be received by the Ministry of women affairs

Aside the celebrities that are attending the walk, invitations have also be sent to Non Government Organizations, Representatives from different Local Governments In Lagos State, Media Practitioners, Entertainment Stars (Musicians, Producers, Actors, Actresses, TV / Radio Presenters, Students Delegates From: (LASU, LASPOTECH AND UNILAG YABATECH), secondary school students, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arms of various Corporate Bodies, The General Public, etc.

(Celebrities) Walk Against Rape is packaged by Rubies Ink Initiative and supported by ONGA

Read More

ABSU Walk Against Rape | #absurape

On Wednesday, October 5, 2011, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Project Alert, Rubies Ink, Delta Women, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) along with several other civil society organizations and individuals will walk in several cities around Nigeria to raise awareness about violence against women in Nigeria, and in particular, demand action on the gang-rape of a young lady by five young men alleged to be students of Abia State University (ABSU).

The walk will take place in the following cities:

Abia: Walk will commence at the Okpara square in Umuahia, Abia state and conclude at the state house.
Lagos: converge at NTA office Ahmadu Bello way and March to Abia State Liaison Office

Abuja : Protesters will converge at The Eagle Square

Time: 10 a.m.

Since news of this gang-rape came to light, many Nigerians have weighed in on the matter, including the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi. A statement from his office stated, “The Honourable Minister views the behavior of the perpetrators as decadent and barbaric. Mallam Abdullahi therefore calls on the University authorities and relevant security agencies to step up action to ensure that the heartless and wicked perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.”

MEDIA:

Uduak Odouk of Ladybrille speaks against rape (here)

Esther Ijewere - our sex crime laws should be tougher (here)

For more information on the walk, follow any of the following people on TWITTER

@olamildent @AbangMercy @AfricanCeleb @EiENigeria @WAR_Nigeria @rapewalk @estherijewere

Read More

Celebrities trooped out to walk against rape

The much talked about Celebrity Walk Against Rape took place on Friday 16th April, 2010.

The walk which was put together by Rubis Ink in partnership with Acada Magazine saw many Nigerian celebrities trooping to the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church ground which served as the convergence point as early as 7.00am. The celebrities later took off around 9.00am and walked to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation where they were received by the honourable commissioner, Mrs. Joke Adefulire.

The convener of the walk, Esther Ijewere later gave a speech titled, “RAPE: Its effects, consequences and the role of Government”.

In her response, the honourable commissioner promised to take the fight to end rape in our society and also violence against women more seriously and see that perpetrators of this shameful act were prosecuted and handed necessary punishments.

According to the Project Coordinator, Esther Ijewere, “Our aim is to help in encouraging victims to speak out and reduce the stigmatization attached to the victims of sexual abuse and Rape as well as use “Walk Against Rape” as a platform to inform the society about the soaring scourge of sexual abuse especially as it relates to young girls and women in general”.

Joke Orelope-Adefulire, Lagos State Commissioner for Women and Poverty Alleviation, promised that the office of the Public Defender will henceforth take up rape cases free of charge.

The Lagos State Police PRO, Mr. Emeka Mba who also threw his weight behind W.A.R. also pledges strict punishments for offenders.

Among celebrities that took part in the walk are Ofunneka, Toni Payne, Bhaira Mcwizu, Uchey Udor, Omobaba, Ego Ogbaro, Lolade Facof, Saheed Mohammed, W4, Beanpole, Zara, Steel, amongst many others.

Also lending their support for the cause are top media practitioners like Azuka Ogujuiba, Wale Ademokoya, Kemi Akinyemi, Dayo Ephraim, MC Ice Water, etc.

The event was largely supported by Milo, Mediacon and the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

click image(s) for larger view

Read More

Walk Against Rape | Lagos, Nigeria

For the 1st time in history, Nigerian Celebrities & youths stormed 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. The rally commenced on Saturday April 16 of 2010 and was coordinated by Esther Ijewere, one whom we featured in an exclusive interview sometimes back. The walk started at the Archbishop vining memorial ground G.r.a and ended at the Ministry Of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Secretariat, Alausa – Ikeja.

Read More

Tara supports 'Walk Against Rape'

About a week ago, I interviewed Esther Ijewere - the project Coordinator of the Celebrities Walk Against Rape. She listed Mrs. Tara as one of the celebs that will be walking on April 16. A day after the phone interview, she contacted me to say she had good news.

Esther: "After speaking with you yesterday, I got a call from Mrs Tara Durotoye of House of Tara makeup Intl and she said she is launching new range of products today called H.I.P and she is dedicating half of the proceed she makes to the walk against rape campaign and gave me the opportunity to speak to her guest for 20mins. Her staff wore the walk against rape branded t-shirts by TARA herself, she blew me off ya feet sis.....i had fun at the event!"

About Tara Fela Durotoye

Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye is the Managing Director HOUSE OF TARA International; a veteran in the beauty industry who pioneered the bridal makeup artist profession in Nigeria. She is a lawyer from the Lagos state university who started the business whilst an undergraduate. Tara is a trained and certified makeup artist of Charles Fox, covenant garden, London.

Inevitably, along the line of her career, the demand of this vision to spread the wealth of her knowledge became consistent and this has seen her also a speaker at various conferences all over the country; women business conferences, youth empowerment seminars and Christian gathering where she is a favorite on topics that range from marriage and relationships to finding your purpose. she is also a passionate mentor for make-up artist and small business owners.

Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye has developed and trained a large number of make-up artist(400 via the makeup school) who are now active players in the Nigerian beauty industry. she has also succeeded in empowering young ladies over 700 of them in the tertiary institutions with the Tara Orekelewa beauty representatives initiative that makes them financially independent, improves their self esteem alongside building their marketing and entrepreneurial skills.

Her many national and international awards include:
• Entrepreneur of the Year (The Future Awards)
• Young Person of the Year 2006 (The Future Awards)
• Best Makeup Artist (Fashion and Style magazine)
• Award for Excellence in the Beauty Sector 2006(City People magazine)
• Pioneer Award for Beauty 2006. (Fashion and Style Award)
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Lagos Enterprise Award).
• Wedding Planner Honorary award for mentoring other make artists, January 2008

Under her leadership the House of Tara International won the following awards
• Right Vision Movement Award Creativity & Productivity Make over Outlet of the year 2006.
• The Africa SMME Award presented in South Africa and the Entrepreneur of the Year award.2007

Tara is happily married to Fela Durotoye and is blessed with three children, Mobolurin, Demilade and Morolaoluwa.

Read More

Esther Ijewere initiates Walk Against Rape

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.

Read More