In honour of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Marie Claire, in collaboration with Wildlace Productions, has launched a special “She Talks” podcast series. Building on the crucial themes explored in Temidayo Abudu Makanjuola’s film “A Night in 2005“, the series spotlights extraordinary Nigerian women fearlessly leading the charge in the fight against GBV.
Among them is filmmaker and advocate Priye Diri, whose dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment, is reshaping the narrative in Nigeria. As a vocal opponent of the proposed repeal of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, she embodies this year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism: “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
“It’s disheartening that we’re still having these conversations 30 years after the Beijing Conference,” she reflects. “For me, this theme is personal. I’m fighting today, so my daughter won’t have to fight the same battles 30 years from now.”
In this episode, she reveals that her advocacy began long before she fully understood the term feminist. As a survivor of sexual violence, her personal experience has shaped her mission to ensure no woman feels alone in her journey.
Beyond her advocacy, Priye channels her passion for change into storytelling as a filmmaker, poet, and playwright. She believes in the compelling power of narratives to challenge societal norms.
“Storytelling touches the heart and then changes the mind,” she explains. “Through film, stage plays, and poetry, I amplify women’s voices and counter harmful narratives. Stories help people feel something—and feeling drives action.”
The fight to save the VAPP Act
Priye is at the forefront of the fight to protect the VAPP Act, a landmark legislation enacted after over a decade of advocacy. It is Nigeria’s most comprehensive legal framework addressing violence against persons, defining rape in unprecedented terms, establishing a sex offenders registry, and even addressing violence by state actors.
Yet, a looming attempt to repeal the Act threatens to undo years of progress. “Repealing this law would set us back immeasurably,” she warns. “Instead of repealing it, we should focus on amending its shortcomings and ensuring it’s properly implemented. Starting over would drain resources and energy that could be used to help survivors.”
The insightful conversation ends with a heartfelt message from Priye to GBV survivors.
“Speak up when you’re ready. Healing is a journey, and it’s okay to take your time. You are not alone. There’s a community that sees you, believes you, and stands with you.”
Marie Claire’s “She Talks” podcast series provides an unfiltered platform for these critical conversations. Join Priye Diri and other changemakers as they discuss their stories, confront systemic challenges, and drive impactful change. Together, let’s unite to end Gender-Based Violence against women and girls.
Listen to the full episode below:
