Nigerian women artists unite at UN to change perceptions of women and Africa.

Three Nigerian women will spotlight themes such as human trafficking, suicide bombing, and sexism and sexual harassment at the United Nations, showing the strength of women as agents of change in African societies often dominated by men.

'We have to see ourselves as part of the solution, not just as women reserved for sex or for the kitchen,' author and Queen Blessing Itua told UN News ahead of a special event planned for this Sunday in the UN General Assembly Hall.

'Unity in Diversity: An Evening of Art and Hope with Nigerian Women' will feature excerpts from Ms. Itua's book 'We Are the Blessings of Africa,' as well as monologues from Ifeoma Fafunwa's HEAR WORD! and Nadine Ibrahim's films 'Tolu' and 'Through Her Eyes.'

The event is organized by UN WOMEN, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Nigerian Mission to the UN, with other partners.

'Africa is a diverse continent, rich with different countries and different cultures, and natural resources. Africa has the talent - men and women,' said Ms. Itua. 'When men in Africa look at women, women are reserved just in the kitchen or at home. So there's a need to shift thinking that women can be powerful agents of development, then they're able to support and empower women.

'If women understand that they have a critical role to play, they do not see themselves as just wives or women at home, they also raise up into mental engagement with the men and hopefully strategize about developing our Mother Land,' Ms. Itua continued.

Born in Nigeria and living in the United States, Ms. Itua said she wants to create awareness and give voice to women who do not have a platform to speak out about social ills, particularly rural women.

Her latest film, Mrs. Adams, - which will premiere during the Commission on the Status of Women next week - follows human trafficking routes in Nigeria and Europe. It is meant to be a statement not just about brutalization of women and sexual violence, but also highlight the economic...