"OrangeElmpics is an initiative using sports to advocate against GBV" - Aderonke Bello

 

In commemoration of the 2021 edition of 16 Days Activism against Gender Based Violence which ends today, FAME Foundation in conjunction with Youth and Sports Development Ministry organized ORANGElympics, a line-up of sporting activities that used sports as a tool to campaign against the menace of Gender Based Violence.

This event provided a platform for women to advocate against GBV and engage men in the fight against Gender-Based Violence.

 Men and women, boys and girls were educated on GBV, its adverse effects, and ways to end GBV in our society. Aside sporting activities, the event involves interactive sessions, social media conversations, school and community outreaches.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of violence, particularly on women and young girls. 

The campaign starts on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on December 10, Human Rights Day.

 This year’s theme emphasizes the end to end every form of Gender-Based Violence.

Speaking on this year’s theme, Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, says, it is time  for everyone to rise up and ensure an end to GBV, “I am calling every Nigerian, both young and old to strive towards a gender based violence free society,  (GBV) is a global problem affecting millions of women and girls every year, it threatens lives, undermines families and communities, and impedes the progress of nations. 

Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, the Executive Director of FAME Foundation, stated that the PLAY it DREAM it Initiative which is currently ongoing, is using sport as a tool to tackle gender issues such as child marriages and lack of education amongst others in the society and also to mentor Internally Displaced Girls.

“The fight against GBV cannot be won without the enlistment of men and boys as allies. ORANGElympics is an initiative using sports to advocate against GBV and also educate and involve both men and women, in the fight towards ending the global menace of GBV”,

“FAME Foundation condemns every form of gender-based violence and calls on both men and women, government, organizations, and CSOs to stand together as a united force and commit towards ending gender-based violence Now”

She also reiterated thar sports has helped actualize the 16 Days of Acitivism theme aimed at ending Gender Based Vioelnce in Sports and other aspects of life.

ORANGElympics  engaged top Nigerian Athletes like Jude Ighalo, Desire Oparanozie, Olumide Oyedeji and others in campaign against GBV which has tripled in number since Covid19 lockdown. 

Also, physical activities like advocacy campaigns to rural communities, schools enlightening people on the dangers of GBV and why it had to end now!

Line Up Live Up: Award Winning Journalist Aderonke Bello selected for Sports-Based Life Skills Programme

The Federal Government of Nigeria has selected Award Winning Journalist, Sports for Development Enthusiast and Gender Advocate, Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello as Representative and member of the Federal Government Team on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Line Up Live Up Programme (LULU).

LULU initiative is a sports-based life-skills training curriculum for youth aged 13-18. It strengthens the youth resilience to crime, violence and drug use by enhancing their personal and social skills and increasing their knowledge on the risk associated with these phenomena.

The Federal Government through office of the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Special Investments is partnering with UNODC to work with states on curbing violence and substance abuse by developing life skills through sports. 

Target is out-of-school youthsand kids which is part of the At Risk Children–Programme(ARC-P) by the Federal Government of Nigeria, set to address the challenges being experienced by this category of Nigerian citizens. UNODC is partnering with FG to integrate its LULU Programme into ARC-P, usingSports as a tool to provide life skills and support for the Youth and Children.

Ogunleye-Bello, an Alumni of the US Department of State’s, Global Sports Mentoring Programme (GSMP), will join other federal team members to serve as coaches and monitor the LULUprogramme nationally, provide UNODC and ARC-P Federal Office with detailed reports on project implementation of activities, monitoring and evaluation.