On April 19, over 200 school-aged Nigerian girls were abducted by militants in the dead of the night. Armed men from terrorist group Boko Haram, whose name loosely means “western or non- Islamic education is a sin”, forced the girls from their beds from their highschool in Chibok, and forced them into trucks. The girls are assumed to still be alive, but trafficked and sold into marriage for only $12.
Only during the last week, thanks to social media campaigns, did major outlets pick up on the news story. But what more can be done to help? Here are few options:
1. Sign Petition by May 25 to have the Obama Administration intervene
This White House petition asks the Obama Administration to work with the United Nations and the Nigerian government bring home the girls from their captors. With only 7,000 signatures to date, the petition needs 92,000 more signatures by May 25.
2. Social Media Campaigns
The hashtag #Bringbackourgirls suddenly overwhelmed social media in the last couple of days, including Instagram posts and tweets in an effort to increase awareness. And it worked. Use the hashtag #bringbackourgirls or create your own social media campaign to help the cause. Every post, tweet and retweet will help garner more attention and support for the families of the missing girls.
3. Donate
Creating an account with Gofundme.com or donating to a secured non-profit organization who is collaborating with the Nigerian government could vastly help in the search for the missing girls. (It goes without saying, vet donation prospects carefully.) Parents and families of the kidnapped have arranged private jungle expeditions. They need funding, resources and financial support to complete their personal search efforts. Consider donating or creating a collection fund for the families that can be wired to the families.
4. Organize/ Attend Community Marches
In an effort to bring awareness by demanding attention by government officials to do more in the capture of our girls, marches are a great way to gain attention of media outlets as there’s strength in numbers. Ask attendees to wear the same color for unity.
Organize your own march or peaceful protest in your community. Create a Facebook page for the rally and invite everyone you know.
Know of other aid efforts and initiatives? Let us know in the comments.
Photo credit: @IshaSesayCNN