Sibikwa calls on women to share their stories

The project promotes awareness, collective understanding, and a (re)narrating of the present and future, from the perspective of South African women

July 25, 2020

Sheina Razack 3 minutes read

Sibikwa Arts Centre and several other departments are proud to announce the launch of Seriti sa Basadi, a project that affords women a digital space to celebrate their strength and to be agents for change.

The centre runs in partnership with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the South African Cities Network.

“The project promotes awareness, collective understanding, and a (re)narrating of the present and future, from the perspective of South African women,” said business arts manager, Caryn Green. “The Seriti sa Basadi project will be presented via social media during Women’s Month, culminating in a virtual event at the end of August 2020.”

“Amidst the prevailing national climate, one needs not look too far, or too deeply, to see the indescribable forms of injustice, inequality and discrimination that girls and women around the country are subjected to,” said Green.

“This unfortunate reality has become part of our daily lives, as it finds expression constantly in various media platforms. This foreign behaviour or practice is perpetuated by gender biases or stereotypes, and unorthodox patriarchal and cultural value systems.

“Statistics paint a grim picture particularly for young black South African women, as arguably the most disadvantaged and vulnerable group in terms of the levels of education, unemployment, and access to justice. For young black women in peri-urban and rural areas, the situation is even more dire, due to the lack of media coverage and profiling, almost relegating them to the realm of obscurity.

“The promise of equal representation and inclusiveness as a tenet of a constitutional democracy remains an illusion for some women and girls on the ground. The burden of responsibility to live in a safe environment void of fear remains a sole obligation of women rather than society as whole. This is further compounded by the socioeconomic injustices premised on gender inequalities.”

Green added they are enraged by the recent surge in atrocities and violence committed against South African women.

“We, however, aim to turn our rage into positive energy for social change, reimagining our way through these tumultuous times. Working in collaboration with youth, women formations, community organisations and government departments, we can change the current trajectory and ensure inclusion and universal access for all women and girls.

“Through this project we aim to empower young women through imparting knowledge, learning and exploring alternative mechanisms and approaches to navigate the difficult circumstances that confront them, with positivity and hope. Ours is to promote conscious narratives that challenge the status quo and celebrate womanhood; this project hopes to amplify the power, resilience and agency of women to overcome and succeed.”

Women of all ages, interested in participating, are invited to submit short recorded or written expressions, provocations or statements of their perspectives in respect of womanhood, to info@sibikwa.co.za during the month of July.

“At the end of July, a panel will review submissions and a selection of work will be shared on social media platforms during the month of August, leading up to an online event at the end of Women’s Month. This event will comprise performances, presentations and a panel discussion between female artists, activists and allies, responding to the critical issues raised, and the role that creative and cultural expression can play in challenging and improving current realities, and envisioning a better future,” said Green.

A small number of airtime/data vouchers will be made available to participants from all nine provinces for the online event, through an application process. Women who would like to receive this support are asked to submit a motivation letter to info@sibikwa.co.za by August 14.

The process: