the Stop Violent Punishment Against Women Campaign, a project with BAOBAB for Women's Human Rights, Nigeria

The “Stop Violent Punishments Against Women” campaign project of BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights in Nigeria began in 2009 with a training workshop designed to sensitise journalists and other media professionals on issues of culturally-justified violence against women (CVAW).  BAOBAB promoted the message that VAW cannot be justified by culture (such as discriminatory treatment of widows) or Islam (for example where in the religious legal systems of some states lethal punishments such as stoning for the crime of adultery still exist). In 2010 the follow-up project worked with some of the same members of the media and involved four live radio call-in shows in four states in Nigeria (Borno, Enugu, Oyo and Kano), which reaches a larger audience than other mediums especially women, including those working in and outside the home. Beforehand, they produced radio jingles and stickers to entice callers, and during the broadcasts campaigners discussed the issues with the radio hosts and the general public who called in. Stoning under the guise of religion and culture in Nigeria were particularly highlighted. The guest speakers also spoke extensively on the need to open up further debates around the issues because it is a serious phenomenon that needs to be addressed appropriately. During the phone in session the participants expressed pleasure with having such a programme on air and requested that it should not be a one off programme.