GBV tackled through poetry

At least eight poets on Saturday 27 November participated in a poetry slam with an aim of promoting conversations on gender-based violence.

The poets developed poetic pieces on the challenges that women and men face with regards to gender-based violence. They also noted the need to uphold women’s human rights as well as their dignity.

The poetry slam allowed poets from Bulawayo to challenge discriminatory gender-based violence narratives, norms and practices which undermine women’s participation and leadership.

Presenting her poem, Baby Poet dramatized how women often feel obliged to stay in relationships with abusers as long as they are providing financial support for them. The poems also explained issues of child abuse and sextortion in schools.

The poetry slam was conducted by Women’s institute for Leadership Development in partnership with HIVOS and the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria.

Eight poets rose up to the spoken word challenge and these included Percy, TWS, Lethu, Chester, Lorraine, Baby Poet, Priscy, Thandoe. Of the 8 poets, two received accolades for being the best-spoken word poets.

The commemorations were conducted under the theme “Orange the World: Stop Gender Based Violence now!”

Moderating the event, Poet Asa noted that it is artiste’s responsibility to develop socially conscious works of art which are meant to inspire and change the world.

“During this time as we commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we need to make sure that as artistes we develop content that will prevent gender-based violence within the community. GBV continues to affect so many people who often suffer in silence but now is the time to talk about it and help survivors to speak out,” he said.

Male poets who attended the event, performed pieces that demonstrated that men also experience Gender Based Violence, explaining that when they do, they are often left to suffer in silence.