Festival battles sexual harassment
One of the worst social vices in
the world, its victims are primarily women, old, young and little, and for
years, there’ve been outcries about the sexual harassment they encounter to get
jobs, after they get jobs, in the market and generally everywhere.
There haven’t been just outcries.
People have been actually trying to find a solution to this niggling problem
and they continue to do so.
One of the latest intervention
efforts against it is this year’s edition of the Sauti za Busara music festival
which’s theme was Paza Sauti! Kataa Unyanyasaji (Speak Out! Say NO to Sexual
Harassment).
Held in Zanzibar, Tanzania every
February, this year’s, the 17th edition, featured performances by artists
from different parts of Africa.
Elisabeth Jacobsen, the Norwegian
Ambassador to Tanzania, who attended it for the second time, was full of praise
for it and what it stands for.
At the press conference pre-festival,
she emphasized that it’s an important platform for freedom of expression and promotion
of cultural diversity whilst nourishing expertise, quality and professionalism
in Tanzania’s cultural sector.
She also commended this year’s
festival theme, describing it as of very high importance.
“Sauti za Busara is of importance
for the women in music. Every year you’re making sure that women lead bands are
given a platform. You’re also facilitating fruitful discussions among women
music sector professionals, and you use the power of the festival to speak out
about important issues.
“In 2020 you are saying, “Paza
Sauti! Kataa Unyanyasaji” (Speak Out! Say NO to Sexual Harassment). We are very
proud of you for putting such an important theme on the agenda. The SDGs put
gender equality at the heart of the international agenda, and Norway is a
pioneer for gender equality. Discrimination and harassment prevents girls and
women from practicing their cultural rights, freedom of expression and it
hampers economic development. Busara Promotions, we speak out together with
you!”
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