We are pleased to announce the publication of our impact paper the MTV Shuga Naija campaign in Nigeria, titled: “You Need to be Able to Stand Up for What is Right”: MTV Shuga Naija’s Transformative Impact on Youth Attitudes Toward Sexual Violence in Nigeria”.

In Nigeria, approximately 10% of women of reproductive age report experiencing sexual violence in the past year, with potentially enduring health and social consequences. The effects can be especially severe for younger women and adolescents. MTV Shuga Naija utilizes an entertainment-education TV serial drama to promote gender equality and challenge norms around sexual violence.

Using a two-wave panel survey of Nigerian youth (574 females; 317 males) aged 15 to 24 years, this study explores the impact of MTV Shuga Naija on disclosing experiences of sexual violence, reducing stigma, and fostering dialogue. Baseline data were collected in person, while endline data were collected by telephone due to the COVID-19

The article has been published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, and is available here!