Marie Claire’s special “She Talks” podcast series, created in partnership with Wildlace Productions, highlights extraordinary Nigerian women leading the charge against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Drawing inspiration from Temidayo Abudu Makanjuola’s powerful film “A Night in 2005“, the series celebrates their unwavering efforts to drive societal change.
This week’s episode features Kiki Mordi, an Emmy-nominated investigative journalist, filmmaker, a relentless advocate against GBV and co-founder of Document Women – a curative, digital media platform dedicated to battling erasure by documenting the stories of underrepresented women across Africa. From exposing the pervasive sexual harassment in West African universities to highlighting police brutality in Nigeria, Kiki’s work embodies fearless activism.
Reflecting on the urgent need to end violence against women, she says,
“Every year serves as a stark reminder that violence against women is rampant and evolving in the digital age. It’s a time to take stock and ask ourselves: What are we doing to protect women? How are we changing the narrative?”
Her commitment to these questions has shaped her career, weaving a feminist ethos into her investigative journalism and filmmaking. “Whatever I do,” she says, “I always take a stand for women.”
During the episode, Kiki touched on her groundbreaking documentary, “Sex for Grades“, which exposed the widespread sexual harassment plaguing West African universities.
One of the most chilling revelations for her was discovering the psychological manipulation of victims, even those undercover. “Nobody is above being groomed,” Kiki emphasises, recounting how even her investigative team encountered the sinister power dynamics of predatory lecturers.
Equally horrifying were stories where perpetrators used religion to mask their abuse. She recalls one victim’s account saying, “A pastor preparing for church, Bible in hand, was simultaneously assaulting her. It was chilling.”
Despite these grim realities, Kiki’s work has catalysed significant change. The documentary inspired legal reforms in Nigeria, incorporating provisions that address grooming and other subtle forms of harassment. “The biggest impact for me,” she notes, “is the law’s recognition of these dynamics, enabling better protection for students.”
Beyond legislation, the film sparked global conversations, empowering survivors to share their stories and prompting universities to hold abusers accountable. “Many victims we’ve worked with have reclaimed their lives,” Kiki says. “Seeing them find freedom and joy is a win I cherish deeply.”
Breaking the cycle of silence
GBV thrives in silence, and breaking that cycle requires collective effort. For Kiki, empathy is key. “Anyone interacting with survivors—journalists, activists, or friends—must speak the language of empathy,” she urges.
She also stresses the importance of community. “No one can survive alone,” Kiki asserts. “Find your tribe. Whether it’s online or offline, the community gives strength to resist oppression and demand accountability.”
Kiki also emphasises the need for institutional transformation. “It’s not enough to rely on individuals. Systems—from universities to law enforcement—must prioritise women’s safety.”
Listen to the full episode below:
