Call for Submissions: Her Rights,.Our Stories: An African Women's Anthology

 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: HER RIGHTS, OUR STORIES: AN AFRICAN WOMEN’S ANTHOLOGY

The African chapter of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) is inviting women essayists, poets, and artists to contribute their voices, insights, and solutions to the challenges impeding women's rights and progress in Africa. The forthcoming anthology, entitled Her Rights, Our Stories: An African Women’s Anthology aims to shed light on these issues and will be published in print by the IHRAF International Headquarters in New York.

INTRODUCTION

The African continent has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to advancing gender equality and empowering women. Throughout Africa's illustrious history, women have played pivotal roles as problem solvers. They have led military campaigns in the pre-colonial era, fought for freedom during independence movements, taken on transitional leadership roles in post-conflict periods, and guided their nations through some of the most daunting economic, political, and health crises of the 21st century.

Considerable progress has been made towards achieving gender equality with the establishment of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights. This charter, accepted by all African states except Morocco and Burundi, urges member nations to eradicate discrimination and violence against women.

However, despite these developmental efforts, gender inequality remains a significant impediment to women's rights in Africa. It lies at the root of various issues that disproportionately affect women and girls, such as domestic and sexual violence, lower wages, limited access to education, and inadequate healthcare. Alongside gender inequality, there are other challenges that impede women's rights in Africa. This anthology aims to address the human rights concerns faced by African women, shedding light on acts of violence and other violations stemming from societal and cultural barriers. It also seeks to explore these problems and discover viable solutions. Additionally, submissions should delve into how women assume and exercise power for the collective benefit of society.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Language Medium: English

• Mode of Entries: Essays, Poems, and Artworks

• Only submissions from women will be accepted

• Theme: Entrants can choose to write about any of the following topics: Gender Inequality, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Harassment, Child, Early and Forced Marriage, Sex Trafficking, Female Genital Mutilation, Use and Abuse of Power by Women, etc.

• One poem per poet

• Art Format: Paintings and Drawings. One artwork per artist.

• Essays should be between 1000 and 1500 words. One essay per essayist.

• Entries will be judged based on originality of thought, depth of analysis, clarity of expression, spelling and grammar, and adherence to submission rules. Entrants have the flexibility to choose any subject related to the given topic.

• Entrants are required to include the following information with their entries: Name, Age, Gender, Country, Address, Phone Number, Source of information about the Call for Entries, Short Profile about themselves, Permission to publish their poem/essay (in one or two paragraphs), Name of school or university (if applicable), Entrants can be from any African country, Permission to publish their work among the shortlisted entries.

• The subject line of your email should be " HER RIGHTS, OUR STORIES: AN AFRICAN WOMEN’S ANTHOLOGY."

• All entries must be submitted to: wole@humanrightsartmovement.org and copy ihrafafrica@humanrightsartmovement.org

• Deadline for Submission: May 31st 2024. • Plagiarism will result in disqualification.

• The decision of the editors is final.

BENEFITS:

1. All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
2. Selected works will be published in our upcoming anthology.

For any inquiries, please reach out to:

• Wole Adedoyin at woleadedoyin@gmail.com
• Sinyuy Geraldine at sinyuyg@gmail.com

 

ABOUT IHRAF

 

Founded by Thomas Block, the International Human Rights Art Festival is an extraordinary platform that merges the power of art and advocacy to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, inspire social change, and promote human rights worldwide. By showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions such as visual arts, theater, music, dance, film, and spoken word, the festival provides a captivating space for artists to communicate profound messages and foster empathy, understanding, and solidarity among audiences.

This remarkable event serves as a catalyst for dialogue and reflection, inviting individuals from all walks of life to engage in critical conversations surrounding pressing human rights issues. It creates a unique intersection between art and activism, using creativity as a means to raise awareness, challenge injustice, and ignite transformative action. Through thought-provoking performances, exhibitions, and workshops, the festival sparks powerful conversations that transcend cultural, social, and political boundaries.

The International Human Rights Art Festival celebrates the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, aiming to dismantle systems of oppression and create a more equitable and inclusive world. By showcasing the artistic endeavors of individuals and communities who have historically been marginalized, silenced, or overlooked, the festival empowers them to reclaim their narratives, challenge stereotypes, and reclaim their agency.

Furthermore, the festival fosters collaboration and mutual learning by bringing together artists, activists, scholars, and audiences from diverse backgrounds. It serves as a dynamic platform for cross-cultural exchange, providing an opportunity to learn from each other's struggles, triumphs, and resilience. In this shared space, creativity becomes a catalyst for empathy, understanding, and social transformation.

The International Human Rights Art Festival stands as a testament to the power of art to provoke thought, inspire action, and drive positive change. It reminds us that human rights are not abstract concepts confined to legal documents but are deeply intertwined with the human experience. Through its captivating exhibitions and performances, this festival illuminates the shared struggles, hopes, and aspirations that bind us all, urging us to come together and create a world where every individual can live with dignity, equality, and justice.

African Human Rights Art Competition: IHRAM Calls for Entries

 AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS ART COMPETITION: IHRAM CALLS FOR ENTRIES

The initiation of the African Human Rights Art Competition by the African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) represents a significant stride towards cultivating a deeper comprehension of human rights as seen through the eyes of African artists. Serving as a distinctive platform, this competition provides artists from across the continent with the opportunity to actively engage and delve into the multifaceted aspects of human rights. By urging participants to articulate their viewpoints on pivotal human rights issues through painting and drawing, IHRAM strives to kindle a robust dialogue, casting light on the diverse narratives surrounding human rights within the African context. Beyond its celebration of artistic expression, this competition stands as a compelling instrument for raising awareness and fostering a collective consciousness regarding the paramount importance of human rights in the African continent.

The call for entries reflects IHRAM's commitment to leveraging the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries and amplify the voices of African artists on the global stage. Through this innovative initiative, the organization seeks to inspire a new wave of creativity that not only captures the complexities of human rights but also encourages critical reflection and dialogue. As artists delve into their unique perspectives and bring forth their creative visions, the African Human Rights Art Competition becomes a dynamic platform for fostering unity, understanding, and advocacy for the protection and promotion of human rights across the diverse tapestry of the African continent.

PRIZES

First Prize - $100

Second Prize - $75

Third Prize - $50

Five Honorable Mentions

 

Based on the artwork submitted to our competition, they will be judged based on the following elements of artistic expression:

 

1.      Creativity and originality

2.      Quality  - composition, design elements and colour

3.      Clarity of theme

4.      Overall artistic impression

 

All artwork submitted must meet the following requirements:

 

·         FORM OF ART: PAINTING/DRAWING

·         Deadline for submission is June 30th, 2024.

·         Entries are welcomed from anywhere in the world, but must address human rights issues in Africa

·         Art works must have Human Rights at heart.

·         Artwork submitted must be 2D

·         Size (Any Size)

·         Entrants can use a range of materials and techniques from the following list: drawing (e.g. pencil, pen, crayon, pastel, etc.), painting, printmaking, collage and montage

·         Theme: — Any of the following can be used to craft your theme: Freedom of Expression, Government Violations, Police Brutality, corruption, forced Eviction, terrorism, Gender Inequality, LGBT Rights, Child Labour, Child Marriage, Domestic Violence, violence and discrimination against women; child abuse; female genital mutilation, ethnic, regional, and religious discrimination, child trafficking etc.”

·         Signature on front, lower right corner

·         All words on picture must be spelled correctly

·         One entry per artist

·         Organizers’ decision is final

·         All entries must be submitted to: wole@humanrightsartmovement.org and copy ihrafafrica@humanrightsartmovement.org in JPEG Format

·         All entrants agree to offer IHRAM first world rights, with the right to upload selected works on its media platforms.

·          Title of your mail should be addressed as “AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS ART COMPETITION”

·         Entrants are advised to send the following information alongside their entries

·         Name, Age, Gender, Country, Address, Phone Number, Where you heard about the Contest, Short Profile about yourself, Name of school or university if any

·         It is your responsibility to ensure that your submission is eligible for the Contest. By entering your work for the Contest you are confirming to us that the work that you are submitting is your own original work, and that you have read and agreed to the Conditions of Entry of the Contest.  

·         We will write to everyone who entered for the Contest and inform them of the outcome of their application once the judging process has concluded. 

 

For more enquiries contact: Wole Adedoyin +2348072673852 (woleadedoyin@gmail.com)

 

 African Human Rights Art Competition is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at cultivating a deeper comprehension of human rights as seen through the eyes of African artists. Serving as a distinctive platform, this competition provides artists from across the continent with the opportunity to actively engage and delve into the multifaceted aspects of human rights.

African Human Rights Art Competition: IHRAM Calls for Entries

 IHRAM IGNITES CREATIVE EXPRESSION WITH THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS ART COMPETITION: CALL FOR ENTRIES NOW OPEN

By Wole Adedoyin

The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has announced the launch of the African Human Rights Art Competition, a groundbreaking endeavor aimed at fostering a profound understanding of human rights as interpreted through the lens of African artists.

This distinctive competition serves as a unique platform for artists across the continent to actively explore and express their perspectives on crucial human rights issues through the powerful mediums of painting and drawing.

Through this initiative, IHRAM endeavors to ignite a robust dialogue, shedding light on the diverse narratives surrounding human rights within the African context and encouraging collective consciousness.

The call for entries underscores IHRAM's commitment to leveraging the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries and amplify the voices of African artists on the global stage. By encouraging artists to delve into their unique perspectives and bring forth creative visions, the African Human Rights Art Competition becomes a dynamic platform for fostering unity, understanding, and advocacy for the protection and promotion of human rights across the diverse tapestry of the African continent.

The competition offers enticing prizes, including a First Prize of $100, Second Prize of $75, and Third Prize of $50, along with Five Honorable Mentions. Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, quality (composition, design elements, and color), clarity of theme, and overall artistic impression. The deadline for submission is June 30th, 2024, and entries are welcome from artists worldwide, provided they address human rights issues in Africa.

Artwork submitted must be 2D and can be created using various materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and montage. The themes encompass a wide array of human rights issues, including Freedom of Expression, Government Violations, Police Brutality, Corruption, and more. Entrants are required to provide their information alongside entries, ensuring eligibility and confirming originality.

The African Human Rights Art Competition is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA. IHRAF is dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of human rights issues through the transformative power of art.

For further information and inquiries contact Website: www.humanrightsartmovement.org Email: wole@humanrightsartmovement.org Contact: Wole Adedoyin, +2348072673852

African Women's Anthology: IHRAM Calls for Submission

 AFRICAN WOMEN'S ANTHOLOGY: IHRAM CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

By Wole Adedoyin

The African chapter of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has announced the call for submissions for the upcoming anthology, "Her Rights, Our Stories: An African Women’s Anthology." Dedicated to amplifying the voices of women essayists, poets, and artists across the continent, this initiative seeks to address the

persistent challenges hindering women's rights and progress in Africa. The anthology will be published in print by the IHRAF International Headquarters in New York.

Despite commendable efforts to advance gender equality on the African continent, challenges persist. The anthology aims to highlight the multifaceted nature of these issues and bring attention to acts of violence and human rights violations arising from societal and cultural barriers. It will explore these challenges in-depth and propose viable solutions while also examining how women can wield and leverage power for the collective benefit of society.

The call for submissions is open to women essayists, poets, and artists across Africa. Entries can be in the form of essays, poems, paintings, and drawings, exploring themes such as Gender Inequality, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Harassment, Child Marriage, Sex Trafficking, and more. Entrants are encouraged to delve into the issues, offering original perspectives and solutions. All submissions must be in English, with essays ranging between 1000 and 1500 words.

Entries must be sent via email to wole@humanrightsartmovement.org and copy ihrafafrica@humanrightsartmovement.org, with the subject line "HER RIGHTS, OUR STORIES: AN AFRICAN WOMEN’S ANTHOLOGY." The deadline for submission is May 31st, 2024. Entrants are required to provide essential information, including name, age, gender, country, address, phone number, and a short profile about themselves.

All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation, and selected works will be published in the anthology. This opportunity not only offers recognition but also contributes to a collective effort in addressing and dismantling barriers to women's rights in Africa.

The African Women’s Anthology serves as a platform for women across the continent to share their experiences, insights, and solutions. By participating in this initiative, contributors play an active role in advancing the discourse on women's rights and contribute to shaping a more equitable and just future for all. The International Human Rights Art Movement looks forward to receiving thought-provoking submissions that will collectively weave the rich tapestry of African women's stories.

For any inquiries, please reach out to: Wole Adedoyin at woleadedoyin@gmail.com, Sinyuy Geraldine at sinyuyg@gmail.com.

Call for Entries: African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest:

 

CALL FOR ENTRIES: AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST:

 

DEADLINE: 30TH OCTOBER, 2023

The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Festival is proud to announce the upcoming "African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest," a transformative platform that harnesses the power of spoken word artistry to address pressing human rights issues. The contest aims to bring together poets, artists, and activists from across the African continent to creatively express their thoughts and perspectives on critical matters such as social justice, climate change, women's empowerment, immigration, human trafficking, police brutality, and violence against women.

In an era where dialogue and advocacy hold the key to positive change, the contest seeks to amplify the voices of those often marginalized and unheard. Through the art of spoken word, participants will have the opportunity to shed light on the urgent need for social justice, a sustainable environment, and equal rights for women. The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest will serve as a powerful catalyst for awareness, empathy, and action, encouraging participants to delve into these multifaceted issues and inspire others to do the same.

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is set to unleash a wave of creative expression, advocacy, and solidarity across the African continent. Poets, spoken word artists, and all individuals passionate about human rights are encouraged to participate and contribute to this vital dialogue. Together, we can harness the power of spoken words to pave the way towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate future.

Submit a captivating 1-minute video where you passionately recite a unique and artistic poem crafted by you. This is your opportunity to shine and potentially be showcased on our vibrant social media platforms.

Demonstrate and elucidate the potent utilization of spoken language as a catalyst for the advancement and bolstering of human rights across the African continent. To merit rightful acknowledgment, submissions should inherently encapsulate the essence of human rights.

PRIZE(S)

·         First Prize - $100

·         Second Prize - $75

·         Third Prize - $50

·         Five honorable mentions

 

The selected works that emerge victorious will take center stage at the International Human Rights Art Festival, set to unfold between December 4th and 10th, 2023.

OTHER BENEFITS

· Award of Certificates of Participation to all Entrants.
· Award of Certificates of Excellence to only the shortlisted entrants.

GUIDELINES

1.      Upload a 1-minute video of yourself reciting your original poem of not less than 20MB.

2.      Entries are welcomed from anywhere in the world, but must address human rights issues in Africa

3.      Stories must have Human Rights at heart.

4.      Only one Video per entrant

5.      Your video can explore any of the following human rights themes: Freedom of Expression, Government Violations, Police Brutality, corruption, forced Eviction, terrorism, Gender Inequality, LGBT Rights, Child Labour, Child Marriage, Domestic Violence, violence and discrimination against women; child abuse; female genital mutilation, ethnic, regional, and religious discrimination, child trafficking etc.

6.      Record yourself in a quiet place (no music or background noise). Listen to your audio before you upload to make sure we can hear you well. No other persons are allowed in the video.

7.      Make sure the video is not shaky, the camera must be still while filming.

8.      Ensure your video is artistic, original, and creative. Videos must not have been previously published or used for a commercial purpose such as private sale or used in monetized platforms. All content to be used must be original, including any music.

9.      Do not add any graphics, text, or captions. If you need to perform your poem in sign language, you are welcome to do so.

10.  Film in landscape mode.

11.  We strongly encourage diverse, untraditional, and unheard voices to enter this competition

12.   The 1-minute Video must be a new and original piece of work. The Story must not have been published in any form or awarded previously.

13.  Deadline for submissions is 30th October, 2023

14.  Winners will be announced on the November 25th, 2023

15.  Any signs of plagiarism will disqualify the contestant.

16.  IHRAF reserves the right to withdraw and reclaim the financial value of the contest if it is discovered that a Spoken Word Artist has fabricated any information in their submission. 

17.  Organizers’ decision is final

18.  All entrants agree to offer IHRAF first world rights, with the right to upload selected videos on its media and streaming platforms.

19.  All entries must be submitted to: ihrafafrica@ihraf.org

20.  Title of your mail should be addressed as “AFRICAN HUMAN SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST”

21.  Entrants are advised to send the following information alongside their entries

22.  Name, Age, Gender, Country, Address, Phone Number, Where you heard about the Contest, Short Profile about yourself, Name of school or university if any

23.  It is your responsibility to ensure that your submission is eligible for the Contest. By entering your work for the Contest you are confirming to us that the work that you are submitting is your own original work, and that you have read and agreed to the Conditions of Entry of the Contest.  

24.  We will write to everyone who entered for the Contest and inform them of the outcome of their application once the judging process has concluded. 

 African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at promoting and supporting the realization of human rights in Africa.

 

For more enquiries contact: Wole Adedoyin +2348072673852 (woleadedoyin@gmail.com)

 

African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest: IHRAF Calls For Entries

 

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST: IHRAF CALLS FOR ENTRIES

 

The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Festival proudly announces the launch of the "African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest." This innovative contest aims to provide a platform for poets, artists, and activists across the African continent to creatively express their perspectives on critical human rights issues. With a deadline set for October 30th, 2023, this contest calls upon all passionate advocates of social justice, environmental sustainability, and gender equality to make their voices heard.

In a statement by the Director of IHRAF in Africa, Wole Adedoyin said the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest serves as an essential opportunity for marginalized voices to rise and be heard. By channeling the power of spoken word, participants are invited to explore and confront pressing concerns such as climate change, immigration, police brutality, gender inequality, and more. This artistic initiative seeks to engage individuals in meaningful dialogue and encourage positive change through creative expression.

In the spirit of fostering a more just and equitable society, the contest offers attractive prizes for outstanding contributions. The first-place winner will be awarded $100, the second-place winner will receive $75, and the third-place winner will be granted $50. Additionally, five honorable mentions will be acknowledged for their exceptional submissions.

Selected entries that rise above the rest will also take center stage at the esteemed International Human Rights Art Festival, scheduled to take place from December 4th to 10th, 2023. These thought-provoking pieces will be showcased, celebrating the impactful role of spoken word in advocating for human rights and fostering positive change.

In alignment with its commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue, the contest invites entries from individuals worldwide, provided that their submissions address human rights issues specific to Africa. Entries are expected to reflect the intrinsic values of human rights, offering innovative perspectives on themes such as government violations, gender inequality, terrorism, and more.

Participation in the contest is as simple as submitting a captivating 1-minute video showcasing an original spoken word poem. Entrants are encouraged to create unique pieces that delve into their chosen human rights theme while adhering to contest guidelines. These include filming in a quiet environment, ensuring stable camera work, and submitting original, previously unpublished content.

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest underscores its commitment to nurturing emerging talents by awarding Certificates of Participation to all entrants, and Certificates of Excellence to shortlisted participants. Furthermore, the contest invites diverse, untraditional, and unheard voices to join the conversation and contribute their unique perspectives.

Entries can be submitted via email to ihrafafrica@ihraf.org, with the subject line "AFRICAN HUMAN SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST." Alongside the 1-minute video, entrants are requested to provide their name, age, gender, country, address, phone number, and a brief profile. It is essential to confirm the originality of submitted work and accept the Conditions of Entry as outlined by IHRAF.

For more information and inquiries, interested parties can contact: Wole Adedoyin at +2348072673852 or woleadedoyin@gmail.com.

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA, dedicated to amplifying voices, sparking dialogue, and promoting the realization of human rights across the African continent.