Leading financial institution, Access Bank Plc. has partnered with award-winning movie producer and director, Kunle Afolayan, on his new movie ‘Citation’.

This is an effort by the bank to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.

Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, Chairman of Access Bank said;

“At Access Bank, we believe in gender equality and we also believe that there is a need to make women feel safe not only in Nigeria but indeed, across the world.”

“In many societies, women have been setback by issues such as sexual and gender-based violence, denied access to education, finance, and healthcare. We have therefore made it our mandate to put women where they ought to be and where possible, promote initiatives that will foster a better society for all.”

Also, Ayona Trimnell, Group Head, W Initiative at Access Bank said;

“The issue of gender-based violence reaches every corner of the world and Nigeria has indeed been plagued by this issue for too long. With about 30 per cent of women and girls aged 15-49 having experienced sexual abuse, it is important that all stakeholders – private and public –contribute to the conversation, offer support and put in place frameworks to ensure that the scourge of gender-violence is eradicated from our society.”

“Since the establishment of Access Bank W initiative in 2014, the company has executed countless initiatives targeted at empowering women.”

“We believe that women are key catalysts for change in any society. We were very excited at the opportunity to be a part of a project that will not only spotlight some of the prevalent issues around sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria but also serves as a catalyst to address the long-term behavioural change we seek.”

However, Kunle Afolayan said; “I have seen and heard about the impact Access Bank has been making on the lives of women through its W Initiative, hence, it was easy to select the Bank as a partner given their body of work. Sexual harassment is an issue that is very rampant globally.”

“‘Citation’ wasn’t created to announce that these issues exist; rather incite conversations about the measures that need to be put in place in other to curb the menace that is sexual and gender-based violence.”