“When you speak up for the rights of others, you advocate for a safer world for everyone” – Tawakalit Kareem
These powerful words from advocate Tawakalit Kareem encapsulate the essence of the latest episode of Marie Claire’s special “She Talks” podcast series. Created in partnership with Wildlace Productions, the series spotlights extraordinary Nigerian women fighting to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Inspired by Temidayo Abudu Makanjuola’s powerful film “A Night in 2005“, the series weaves stories, statistics, and actionable insights into a compelling call for change.
Fighting a crisis that affects us all
The latest episode features Tawakalit, a tireless Gender and Human Rights advocate who fights for equality and rights, specifically around sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Through poignant stories and striking statistics, she reveals the depth of this problem.
“One in three women experience violence in their lifetime,” Tawakalit shares. Despite the sobering figures, she is hopeful. “It’s a staggering number, but we should also acknowledge the progress we’ve made in advocacy. Discussions around GBV are finally part of the national discourse. That’s a victory in itself,” she adds.
Tawakalit emphasises that addressing GBV requires early intervention. For her, it is crucial that we educate communities early enough and that boys and men are included.
“If we’re serious about addressing GBV, we have to start educating in schools,” she asserts. “We also need to educate everyone, not just women and girls. That means reaching out to young boys and men and teaching them about consent and respect. It’s about changing the narrative at the grassroots level.”
Like filmmaker and fellow advocate Priye Diri, Tawakalit believes a huge gap exists between legislation and implementation. She points out that enforcement is the real challenge, saying, “We need policymakers and community leaders to work together to ensure these laws are integrated into everyday life. This is not just a women’s issue; it’s a societal issue.”
Tawakalit’s insights remind us that fighting GBV is not just about advocacy; it’s about action. Through education, law implementation, and collective responsibility, the path to a safer, more equitable society becomes clearer.
Listen to the full episode for a compelling conversation that offers not just data, but powerful insights and a roadmap toward change:
