How the creative arts can bridge Nigeria's gender divide

The United Nations emphasizes the importance of empowering women and girls for sustainable development. In Nigeria, the journey of the girl child is often fraught with challenges, from lack of access to education and healthcare to facing violence and discrimination. Veteran Nigerian singer and actor, Onyeka Onwenu, sheds light on these issues in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Reflecting on her own upbringing, Onwenu acknowledges the difficulties faced by girls, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. She expresses concerns about the plight of children in Nigeria, particularly those living in internally displaced persons camps, where their rights are violated by those meant to protect them. Onwenu underscores the importance of speaking out and raising awareness about the challenges faced by the girl child. As an artist, she advocates for using creative arts as a platform to drive this message. She believes that through plays, music, and art, more people can be encouraged to discuss and address the issues affecting girls and women in Nigeria. Onwenu's upcoming musical stage play, set to premiere on the third of January, aims to highlight the value and importance of the girl child in society. By portraying the struggles and triumphs of girls, the play seeks to inspire self-worth and empowerment among its audience. Onwenu's personal experiences, including being raised by a widow and witnessing gender biases in her own family, further fuel her commitment to advocating for women's rights. She emphasizes the pivotal role that women, especially African women, play in society, as mothers, teachers, leaders, and contributors to development. Onwenu firmly believes that empowering girls and women is essential for Africa's progress and prosperity. The musical play serves as a platform for Onwenu to engage with the audience and spark conversations about gender equality and female empowerment. Through powerful storytelling and emotional performances, Onwenu hopes to leave a lasting impact on the audience, particularly young girls participating in the play. By instilling a sense of self-worth and value, Onwenu aims to empower girls to recognize their potential and reject harmful societal norms. The success of the play will be measured not just by its reception during the initial run but by its lasting impact on the community. Onwenu envisions continued engagement and dialogue around the themes presented in the play, fostering a culture of empowerment and gender equality in Nigerian society.