By La Poetista
Every year women poets and artists around the world in the month of March join their hands, words, and talents, in creating gatherings in their communities to raise their voices to fight violence against women. For the first time since the movement started, Tanzania is taking part in organizing this festival in the country, starting with Dar-es-Salaam.
This year over 30 countries are participating in the movement.
The event in Tanzania comes at a critical time. A woman was recently killed in Mbeya after a gang rape. There are rape cases at the Institute of Financial Management Hostels. Similar incidences have also appeared in India. Women are living in such fear and it is difficult to imagine how to get out of this violent situation. We as La Poetista and Poets in Tanzania have decided to Scream in three different styles.
Our first Scream will happen on March 7, 2013 at Nyumbani Lounge from 6:30pm to 10:00pm (free entrance).
This will be a poetry recital and open mic for poetry and music. This will be an opportunity for gender based violence advocates and artists to raise their voice against violence. On this day, we will introduce the movement, and challenge the people present to start the conversation in their own communities (work, school, home, neighborhoods). The aim is to start the conversation, raise awareness, and raise our voice against violence against women. The Scream features Maya Azucena, an award winning singer/songwriter, activist and humanitarian. Her powerful voice will help make our Scream louder.
YOU ARE ALL WELCOME 🙂
Further reading
- About Woman Scream (via website)
- “Gang rape common, but largely ignored in Tanzania” (The Citizen)
- More on poetry at Vijana FM
