Abuja, Nigeria — Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) recently hosted the highly anticipated Story Circle Exhibition, a key event under the “Gender The Agenda” Investigative Report Collaborative Media Project. The exhibition, held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was supported by the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism and the MacArthur Foundation. It aimed to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling in investigative reporting, specifically focusing on amplifying the often-unheard voices of women, girls, and persons with disabilities from grassroots communities.
The Story Circle Exhibition was designed to foster a deeper understanding of the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of these marginalized groups, promoting awareness, empathy, accountability, transparency, and social change. Through a diverse range of narratives, the event provided a platform for storytellers to share their unique perspectives, highlighting the richness and diversity of their community’s experiences.
Stories presented at the exhibition showcased the creativity and resilience of women, girls, and persons with disabilities, shedding light on the issues they face in their everyday lives. These narratives were a testament to the power of investigative journalism in driving social change and fostering a more inclusive society.
The event attracted several notable figures, including Gill Lever, Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission; Dr. Kole Shettima, Country Representative of the MacArthur Foundation; Barr. Uju Kennedy, Minister of Women Affairs; and the Acting Director-General of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS). Other distinguished guests included Motunrayo Alaka from the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism, representatives from the Ministry of Justice, and the Center for Black Arts, among others.
In her opening remarks, GSAI’s Executive Director, Adaora Sydney-Jack, underscored the importance of the Story Circle Exhibition in amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and shedding light on their unique experiences. “This event is a celebration of storytelling’s power to drive social change and promote a more inclusive society,” she stated. “Through these narratives, we hope to inspire greater empathy and understanding among our audience.”
Dr. Kole Shettima, Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation, highlighted the role of investigative journalism in promoting transparency and accountability. “We are proud to support initiatives like the Story Circle Exhibition that bring attention to critical social issues and foster dialogue and understanding,” he said.
Gill Lever, Deputy British High Commissioner, emphasized the need for more women to be involved in policy-making processes, underscoring the importance of gender inclusivity in governance.
The exhibition also featured interactive sessions where guests could engage directly with the storytellers, fostering a deeper connection to the narratives presented. This format provided a unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of stories that reflect the resilience and creativity of women, girls, and persons with disabilities within the FCT.
As the event concluded, outstanding reporters were commended with awards, and other contributors were celebrated for their dedication and creativity in storytelling. Attendees left with a renewed commitment to supporting initiatives that amplify marginalized voices and promote social justice.
The Story Circle Exhibition was a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling in driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Ikokwu Chidozie Ikemba reporting.