NORTHERN NIGERIA

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Since the beginning of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria's northeast in 2009, millions have been forced from their homes. Boko Haram abducted thousands of women, holding them captive and subjecting them to sexual violence and forced marriage. After the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, the hashtag #bringbackourgirls went viral, retweeted by celebrities and politicians from Kim Kardashian to Michelle Obama.

In recent years the security situation in the North has been exacerbated due to escalating conflict between predominantly Muslim nomadic herdsmen against Christian farmers. The Fulani herdsmen also use sexual violence to target women as a way to devastate communities.  A report released by the UK Government in 2020 described the targeting of Christian communities within Nigeria as an ‘unfolding genocide’.

Hannah spent a week in northern Nigeria as part of a trauma healing programme facilitated by Open Doors, working with nine women who had experienced sexual violence at the hands of these extremist groups. The project empowered the women to use art to share their stories and process their trauma.

By the end of the project each of the women had painted a powerful self-portrait. Many of the women chose to paint themselves with glistening tears of gold, sewing vibrant African fabric onto the canvas for the finishing touch.

The simple act of painting their self-portraits was a way to affirm their identity and value, so important considering the isolation and shame these women have experienced, due to the stigma of sexual violence.

One of the participants named Ladi spoke of the impact the project had, saying: “Before, I could not hold a pen or do anything. Now, through this art project, I have learnt how to draw. I drew myself and when I looked at it this morning, I saw how beautiful I am.”

Below you can watch Aisha’s story, who took part in the project:

‘The reaction that Open Doors has received to the issue of persecuted Christians through Hannah’s work has provided new opportunities for influence, fundraising and has created a meaningful context for prayer – something Open Doors’ supporters greatly value. In essence, the partnership has changed the way Open Doors communicates and campaigns on the issue of persecuted Christians and the international right to freedom of religion or belief’.

Matthew Rees – Head of Advocacy, Open Doors UK & Ireland