Workshop on Engaging Nollywood for Social Justice in Nigeria

BACKGROUND Nollywood has grown to become one of Nigeria’s delectable and exportable industries; Its scope and reach from humble beginnings is one of the fastest social development indicators in the country

Successes of Nollywood Now the second largest film industry in the world job creation and foreign exchange earner; Creating avenues for influence and affluence for youth Portrayal of Africa by Africans

The Challenge Piracy It’s a veritable vehicle for social change But it could be hijacked by opportunists, hence the need for this workshop

Workshop Objectives To provide a forum for civil society organizations working in the frontline of social change to present their work to Nollywood celebrities; and To generate discussion and exchange of views between the two groups in order to stimulate greater understanding of what needs to be done to promote social change in Nigeria

About Workshop Conveners The Ford Foundation and Champions for Change (both USA both organizations) are co-hosting this workshop; C4C promotes advocacy activities in the area of maternal, newborn and child health FF works with NGOs and advocates in the frontline of social change in the areas of governance, gender, sexuality and reproductive health, and advancing public service media

Definition of Social Change “Any significant alteration over time in behavioural patterns and cultural values and norms” “Social process whereby the values, attitudes or institutions of society such as education, health, religion and industry become modified”.

Social change Question The relevant question is: Are we happy the current situation of development in all spheres in Nigeria? If the answer is Yes, then there is no need for this workshop. However, if the answer is NO, as I am sure it will be, then all of us must find ways to change the situation of things.

Focus of this workshop The rising incidence of gender-based violence in Nigeria Harmful traditional practices that place women at high risks of death during pregnancy, example: early marriage, female genital mutilation and the low status of women

Workshop Deliverables A shared understanding of Nigeria’s social change needs with special reference to maternal and women’s health, requiring Nollywood focus The development of an agenda for collaborative programming, going forward

THANK YOU