Lesson three: Reading – Digital Storytelling and Survivor Centered Narratives
In our fight against SGBV, digital storytelling has emerged as a powerful advocacy tool. Survivor-centered narratives, when shared ethically, help raise awareness, break the cycle of silence, and drive policy change. However, using digital media for advocacy requires careful balance, ensuring survivors’ voices are heard while maintaining their safety and dignity. Digital storytelling transforms statistics and abstract discussions into real, lived experiences, providing a human connection that encourages empathy and compels action. When survivors share their stories, it educates the public, reduces stigma, and influences community attitudes toward grooming prevention.
Survivor-centered storytelling works across multiple platforms. Social media campaigns, utilizing impactful hashtags, short videos, and survivor testimonials, create awareness and encourage discourse.
Blogs and online articles offer space for personal essays and investigative pieces, allowing for in-depth storytelling and exploration of complex issues. Podcasts and webinars create opportunities for interviews with survivors and experts, providing valuable context and analysis. Short films and documentaries, leveraging the power of visual storytelling, immerse the audience in the realities of grooming and its devastating effects.
Case Study One: In 2019, Busola Dakolo, a Nigerian photographer, shared her story of alleged sexual assault against a prominent pastor on social media. Her decision to speak out despite being married to prominent musician Timi Dakola sparked a nationwide conversation on consent and the protection of women. This courageous act illustrates the power of individual narratives to ignite social change. The resulting public discourse led to increased advocacy for the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, demonstrating how survivor stories can directly influence policy and legal frameworks.
Case Study Two: In 2022, Amina, a university student in Lagos, was lured into a cross-generational sexual relationship by a wealthy older man who promised to sponsor her education. Over time, she became financially dependent on him and was unable to leave, despite experiencing emotional abuse. When she finally escaped the relationship, she connected with a local advocacy group that helped her share her story through a blog series and a short documentary. Amina’s narrative gained traction on social media, sparking discussions about economic vulnerability and coercion in such relationships. This digital campaign led to increased awareness and counselling for young women in similar situations. Amina’s story exemplifies how survivor-led storytelling, when handled ethically, can influence policy and societal attitudes, leading to tangible support for others in similar circumstances.
While storytelling is undeniably powerful, it must be approached with an ethical responsibility to protect survivors from retraumatization or unwanted exposure. Informed consent is paramount. Survivors should have full control over how their story is shared, including the level of detail, the platforms used, and the timing of its release. Anonymity and privacy must be prioritized. When necessary, details should be altered to protect identity and prevent any potential harm to the survivor. The narrative itself should focus on empowerment, not exploitation. It should highlight the survivor’s agency, resilience, and strength, rather than solely focusing on their victimization. Finally, trigger warnings are essential. Content should be clearly labelled to allow audiences to engage at their discretion, respecting their emotional boundaries and preventing unintended harm. By adhering to these ethical principles, advocates can ensure that digital storytelling serves as a force for positive change, amplifying survivor voices while safeguarding their well-being.
As we conclude our exploration of digital storytelling and survivor-centred narratives, we now shift our focus to sustainable action. Awareness is powerful, but lasting change comes when communities actively participate in supporting survivors, preventing grooming, and fostering safer environments.
The journey doesn’t end with awareness, actually, it continues with action. Get ready to collaborate, innovate, and build lasting systems of protection and empowerment in your communities. See you in the next session!