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.
• Deadline for Submission: May 31st 2024. • Plagiarism will result in disqualification.
• The decision of the editors is final.
BENEFITS:
- All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
- 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.
