In a society where “culture” is often used as a shield for silence and victim-blaming, the Saint Agomeze Empowerment Foundation (SAEF) is raising a different kind of shield—one of protection, advocacy, and justice. Our “Say NO to Rape” campaign is not just a slogan; it is a call for a total mindset shift across Nigeria.
The Crisis of Silence
Statistics in Nigeria tell a grim story: a significant percentage of sexual assault cases go unreported due to the fear of stigmatization. When survivors are shamed and perpetrators are emboldened by a lack of accountability, the cycle of violence continues.
SAEF, led by Agomeze Saint Chukwuemeka, believes that the first step to ending rape is breaking the culture of silence. We empower survivors to speak up, knowing they have a community that will listen without judgment and act with urgency.
Our Approach: Education, Advocacy, and Action
The “Say NO to Rape” initiative operates through three strategic windows:
Community Sensitization: We take the message to the grassroots—schools, marketplaces, and community centers. By educating young people on consent and bodily autonomy, we are raising a generation that respects boundaries.
Challenging the “Victim-Blaming” Narrative: Through our digital platforms and GiNN (GenZ Involvement in a New Nigeria) workshops, we actively challenge the harmful idea that a victim’s clothing or behavior justifies assault. We place the responsibility squarely where it belongs: on the perpetrator.
Support Systems: SAEF works to connect survivors with medical, psychological, and legal experts. We believe that healing is a right, not a luxury.
“Rape is not a ‘mistake’ or a ‘provocation.’ It is a crime of power and violence. To build a New Nigeria, we must create a nation where every girl and woman can walk freely without fear.” — Agomeze Saint Chukwuemeka
The Intersection of Reform and Safety
Our work in correctional facilities gives us a unique perspective on this issue. We advocate for the strict enforcement of the VAPP (Violence Against Persons Prohibition) Act, ensuring that those who commit these heinous acts face the full weight of the law. At the same time, we work on rehabilitating the mindset of the youth to ensure that respect for human rights becomes a core value of Nigerian citizenship.
How You Can Join the Fight
Ending sexual violence requires more than just one foundation; it requires a collective “No.” You can support this cause by:
Educating: Talk to your brothers, sons, and friends about consent.
Believing: If someone confides in you, believe them.
Reporting: Don’t be a bystander. If you see or hear something, speak out.