A Film showcase of women across time standing out as exemplary members of society.

At Griot Studios, we recognize the power that storytelling has to inspire, and the impact representation in these stories has in shaping our world view. We also recognize that there is
substantial underrepresentation of women as change agents in society, in popular media, and what that means for the young women and men growing up with these types of stories.
Griot Studios, PAGED Initiative and Give Girls a Chance came together to applying our resources and expertise to showcase films that present real women across time and of all ages, pushing
boundaries and creating positive and sustainable changes in their societies – the #WatchWomenWin showcase. This year, it was tailored to reach specific target audience which extended into four groups over the course of four days: The first group were university students, where the film Uprooted was screened in Abuja.
Based off one of the themes of the film, an interactive panel discussion ensued after the screening; which consisted of women in male-dominated careers. Our speakers were:

• Gbemi Elekula – Carpentry (DreamHome Nigeria)
•  Binta Uba – Culinary Services (Cush Delights)
• Ummi A. Yakubu – Media & Entertainment (Griot Studios)
• Fatima Ilyasu – Electrical and Computer Engineering (Baze University)
• Elizabeth Ovayioza Ajayi – Wedding Photography (Vantage Photography)

The resulting conversation touched on their experiences, their struggles and most importantly, their wins. It broadened the career options of the student audience, provided answers for some
of their career-related questions and increased the network of mentors they had access to.
The second and third group were junior secondary school students, where the film Brave Girl Rising was screened at two public schools in two communities in the FCT; Durumi and Gbessan.
After the screening, a discussion about some of the themes from the film was had, which touched on the challenges the students themselves were facing in their own educational journey. Through the film, the students saw examples of their peers advocating for themselves and also recognized that their voices also mattered despite their age.
The final group were young professionals, where Naila & The Uprising was screened in Abuja. A discussion was also facilitated after the screening, where the similarities between the
Palestinian society and northern Nigeria were highlighted and lessons were drawn from the Palestinian women’s approach to conflict resolution and peace building. It also generated dialogue about women’s current roles in politics, the gaps, possible ways to bridge them and to create support for more sustainable women’s inclusion. The conversation also addressed the part women play as mobilizers and organizers and the lack of advancement opportunities into higher leadership roles.
The 4-day event recorded an attendance of about 400 attendees.
We strongly remain committed to the belief that the media has the power and responsibility to the present and future generations to challenge stereotypes and other forms of discrimination.
We will continue to do our part to create and propagate stories that do just that.