In the Fight against Gender-Based Violence, One Picture Can Tell a Million Stories

Seven artists from aroundp the world gathered recently at the World Bank Group’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to discuss gender-based violence and the role art can play in tackling the epidemic."Let’s not ask the specialists today. Let’s ask the artists," said Ian Bannon, a social development expert in the Africa Region of the World Bank, when introducing the panel.

Stella Damasus, a Nigerian actress, singer, and producer, spoke passionately about the need to break the silence about violence against women. “Sometimes, in order to challenge apathy, you have to look for trouble,” she said, as she explained her motivation for producing “ When it is Enough,” a short film inspired by a true story: the tragic death of Stella’s best friend, the victim of an abusive husband.

Damasus is banking on the influence of Nollywpood –Nigeria's young and booming film industry – to help change social norms in Africa. She believes in the power oftelevision and films to help raise taboo subjects, break barriers, mobilize support for change and shape views and perceptionps, especially among young Africans.

The Nollywood star deplored the fact that on screen,“women are always the victims, the ones who cry, the weak… and our boys grow up believing it is okay… ” She urged the creative industries to rethink the messages their music, films and videos convey, and to start focusing on more positive female role models.

World bank