The Other Perspective (TOP) Project

Introduction

In
partnership with the European Commission, the Initiative for Equal Rights
(TIERs) implemented a series of activities under “The Other Perspective
Project” in various cities and towns in Nigeria, where individuals from
diverse backgrounds shared their personal stories and experiences with the
public.

TOP-Project
focused on promoting understanding and tolerance among different communities
through adopting the Living Library and legislative theatre approach to human
rights advocacy.

During
the project cycle, five staff members of TIERs periodically attended virtual
and physical training with other youth workers and human rights defenders from
across the Balkans, East Africa, and Sothern Africa. The convenings were in
Uganda, Romania, and Serbia. In Uganda, participants were introduced to the
living library method and the expectations of the projects. In contrast, In
Romania, participants were trained in applying legislative Theatre to human
rights advocacy. Finally, in Serbia, participating partners discussed the
project’s success, constraints, and possible future.

Living Library

A
“Living Library” is a program in which individuals from marginalized
or underrepresented groups share their stories and experiences with community
members in an interactive format. The goal is to promote understanding,
empathy, and dialogue between different groups.

The
format of a Living Library event can vary, but it often involves participants
“borrowing” a “book” (i.e., a person) for a brief
conversation or Q&A session. The “books” are individuals who have
experienced discrimination or marginalization in some way, and they share their
stories with the “readers” (i.e., the event participants). The goal
is to promote empathy and understanding and to challenge stereotypes and prejudices.

TIERs implemented five Living library events across Lagos, Abuja, and Delta State. Two hundred thirty-one readers were reached with 29 books telling stories of discrimination, marginalization, empowerment, self-love and acceptance, and the like. Readers were made up of State and non-State Actors; State Actors included staff members of the National Human Rights Commission.

Legislative Theatre

Evaluations
from the sessions revealed that participants were able to have meaningful and
enlightening conversations with the “books” and gained a new
perspective on the challenges faced by different communities. The event also
helped to break down stereotypes and promote understanding and respect among
other groups.

Legislative
Theatre is a community-based theatre method that aims to engage citizens in the
democratic process by having them actively participate in the creation and
performance of plays that address local issues and concerns. Brazilian theatre
director Augusto Boal developed the method in the 1970s to address the lack of
representation of marginalized communities in the political system. The process
typically begins with community members identifying issues they would like
addressed and then working with theatre professionals to develop a script and
perform it for local legislators, government officials, and the public. The
goal is to use the medium of Theatre to raise awareness of important issues and
to empower citizens to take action to bring about change.

TIERs
implemented two Legislative Theatre events in Lagos State. One hundred
ninety-seven audience members were reached through this approach. In the first
play, Volunteer actors depicted the difficulty accessing healthcare experienced
by LGBTQI+ persons in Nigeria, while the second play depicted the incessant
stereotyping, arrest, and abuse of gender non-conforming young people in
Nigeria by Law enforcement agencies. Following the acting by actors, the
facilitators engaged the audience in interactive sessions where they discussed
the depicted social issue, interacted with the actors, and came up with policy
recommendations to prevent further cases of the problems depicted.

The process of drafting legislation was handled with care and thoughtfulness. Participants were allowed to voice their concerns and share their personal experiences, which helped inform the drafting process. The facilitators also provided resources and information to help the group understand the legal and political context of the issues they were addressing.

Conclusion

Overall,
The Other Perspective Project implemented by TIERs was a huge success. It not
only engaged the community in a meaningful and productive way, but it also
helped to create a sense of empowerment and agency among the volunteers and
participants. It is exciting to see the impact that this event will have on our
city and the lives of those who participated. These two approaches to Human
Rights advocacy are now integral parts of human rights programming at TIERs;
stay tuned to the initiative’s social platforms to be updated on the next
Living Library and Legislative Theatre details.

Olufunso A. K.

Program
Officer

Research
and Knowledge Management Dept.

The
Initiative for Equal Rights Harmony Bitspire