Cindy Nmesomachi Ubah

Project title

Visual Storytelling: Exploring the cultural perception of sexual violence in Nigeria’s sociocultural context.

Supervisors:

About Cindy

I am a writer and illustrator with a passion for telling intersectional Nigerian stories that discuss issues of gender, and educate people about sexual violence.

My interest in gender and discussions of sexual violence led me to write a webcomic called ‘Biology’ and a poetry book called ‘Let Me Ramble’ both pieces are inspired by my positionality as a Nigerian feminist and challenge Nigerian patriarchal scripts.

Project description

My interdisciplinary research project employs a feminist lens to examine cultural perceptions of sexual violence in contemporary Nigeria and challenges these views through the creation of an illustrated novel on the subject.

It investigates various factors, including Nigerian class dynamics, legal frameworks, the LGBTQ+ community, Nigerian religions, cultural norms, Nigerian teen culture, and the acts of sexual violence that have become normalized within the country.

Utilising theories such as intersectionality, feminist institutionalism, social norms theory, and hegemonic masculinity, my research analyses both cultural and scholarly texts from Nigeria.

This analysis highlights existing gaps and facilitates discussions with relevant stakeholders involved in the Nigerian sexual violence debate. Ultimately, the end products of my research will be a thesis and an illustrated novel.

Research interests

In my spare time, I enjoy watching Korean dramas, particularly thrillers told from a feminist lens, that explore themes of gendered violence against women. Currently, my favourites are ‘As You Stood By’ (2025) and ‘Honour’ (2026).

I also enjoy writing and performing poetry at open mic nights or just hanging out with my friends.

Teaching

I have taught Art and Design in secondary schools. In Newcastle University, I have taught Advertising and Consumption (MCH2063) and Introduction to Social and Cultural Studies (MCH1026). I have also served as a TA for Designing Doctoral Research (HSS8020).

Education

I have a BA in Journalism and Public Relations from University of Bedfordshire (2018), an MA in Digital Media from University of Huddersfield (2019) and a PG Cert in Research Training from Newcastle University (2024).

Further information

Instagram: @ubahcindyart