Fast
rising nollywood actress, Belinda Effah in an exclusive interview with
THINK AKWA IBOM! calls for aggressive
fight against sexual assault on women.
By Mfonobong Uwah
People
sometimes get confused whether you are from Cross River or Akwa Ibom?
I am a typical Calabar girl. Born and
bred in Calabar. I hail from Odukpani local Government in Cross River State. My
mother is from Akwa Ibom and I speak both Efik and Ibibio, if not more Ibibio.
So, it's very easy for people to think I am from Akwa Ibom. I am a typical
Calabar girl to the core.
We’ll like to hear you brag a little about your state of origin – the people, the food, dance, etc?
We’ll like to hear you brag a little about your state of origin – the people, the food, dance, etc?
I am from Cross River State and there
are several things I love about my state. Oh well, as we all know about the
capital Calabar where I hail from “Come And Live And Be At Rest" is
totally true. I love the people from Calabar because they are very hospitable,
loving and caring like my humble self. You will agree with me that our
delicacies are one of Africa's best, very tasty and rich. I love Ekpang Kukwo, Edikang Ikong, Afang and Coconut Rice. The environs of
Cross River is very serene and welcoming, the government and the people ensure
that their environments are always kept tidy for healthy living. We have lovely
land marks, need I remind you that Calabar has a lot of colonial history
attached to it. I promise you something – whenever you visit Calabar you will never
want to go back. It's a lovely place to raise a family.
You were the lead-actress in Kokomma, a movie which tells the pitiable story of a sexually harassed 19-year old maid. Was it your role in the movie that prompted your partnering with Project Alert to create awareness against sexual abuse or was it just a coincidence?
You were the lead-actress in Kokomma, a movie which tells the pitiable story of a sexually harassed 19-year old maid. Was it your role in the movie that prompted your partnering with Project Alert to create awareness against sexual abuse or was it just a coincidence?
I played the lead in Kokomma where I played the character
Kokomma, a 19-years old girl who went to the city of Lagos to work as a maid in
order to raise money to further her education. On getting to Lagos she was
sexually abused by her guardian. After playing the role, I had a strong
attachment to the character as it helped me to experience what victims of rape
go through. Also I have featured in several productions where I played the
victim of rape and I must say it’s not a healthy feeling at all. After Kokomma I had a strong sense to do
something to sensitize our young ones, create awareness about domestic rape and
its kinds. That's what prompted me to reach out to people to advocate on their
behalf and speak against the vice – rape. Luckily for me Project Alert had
similar vision and they were willing to partner with me on this project to
eradicate sexual violence amongst the youth in our society, case study the
Secondary Schools and subsequently the tertiary institutions. Last year we were
able to visit three schools. This year we hope to reach out to more schools.
As regard sexual abuse, what words do you have for men who say ‘blame
the women for seducing us’?
For men who say blame the women for
seducing us, I will say it's their ego speaking. A normal man with good moral
will flee when faced with temptation. The Bible even says ‘resist the devil and
he will flee from you’. It's always so easy to put the blame on someone else
other than yourself. Temptation comes in various forms beside seduction, so my
question to such men is this: do they
fall for all forms of temptations that come to them such as to steal, kill,
etc? If they can resist the urge to steal or kill what stops them from
resisting rape? I think in the case of rape it's just an easy excuse to massage
their ego.
What is the weakest link in Nigeria’s fight against sexual abuse and rape?
What is the weakest link in Nigeria’s fight against sexual abuse and rape?
The weakest link in Nigeria's fight
against sexual abuse and Rape is that the government is not true to their words
about the fight against rape in the society and the people turn blind eyes to
the cases of rape. They pretend it does not exist. The society plays an
important role too, they people are always too quick to castigate the female
victim hence stigmatization. People refrain from being identified as a victim
of rape so they will rather sweep it under the carpet and suffer the emotion
turmoil alone and this feeling is very dangerous as it can only bring out
negativity from its victims. I believe the government and the people should
create conducive environment where cases of rape are treated seriously and
people can come out freely to report cases of rape. By so doing the victims of
rape will be able to release the negative energy and move on with their lives.
Would you endorse dead penalty for rapists?
Would you endorse dead penalty for rapists?
I will never endorse death penalty for
Rapist. Rather an emotional punishment as that which was dished to its victim.
Maybe have a horse forcefully ‘take on’ any man found guilty of rape so they
can understand how and what dignity means and represents.
How do you give yourself a pat on the back after a successful interpretation of a movie script?
How do you give yourself a pat on the back after a successful interpretation of a movie script?
Well whenever I finish a job, I hold my breath
and wait for the editing to be completed and then the producers/directors
appraisal of the job. When they give their verdict then I can exhale and find a
good way to cheer myself up depending on which way it goes. It's actually a
long process so in order words I let the viewers and audience to watch and be
satisfied with the work done. Ultimately, it's about satisfying them; so if
they are happy that's a good pat on my back.
Outside movie set, how do you connect with your fans?
Outside movie set, how do you connect with your fans?
Outside the movie set I connect with my
fans via Facebook, twitter etc. Sometimes I meet them in places and I am always
very cordial to them. I love my fans because they make me.
You are going places dear. Love your work and wish you the very best. Keep doing your thing...
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