- Project ASHA
Announcing the Vweta Chadwick Poetry Prize 2024 Shortlist: Poetry as a Powerful Tool for Advocacy and Empowerment
We are excited to announce the shortlist for the Vweta Chadwick Poetry Prize 2024 as 15 young women were selected from a pool of 120 entries. They will speak their truth and shine a light on the importance of Women building a community for themselves. This prestigious event celebrates poetry not only as an art form but also as a powerful tool for advocacy, allowing women and girls to speak their truth, share their stories, and break through the barriers of inequality.
This year’s theme, "Women Together: We Heal, We Build, We Lift," encapsulates the essence of collective strength and resilience. It underscores the importance of community in the fight for gender equity, where women support each other in healing from past traumas, building a more inclusive world, and lifting one another toward greater empowerment.
The Shortlisted Poems and The Poets:
Senior Category
Blessing Bassey Sunday - Mensturaton Is A Great Phenomenon
Chidera uzoejinwa - Her Voice, Her Freedom
Jessemiel Elyon - Women Together: We Heal, We Build, We Lift
Ezinne Igbokwe - This Woman -
Uduak Archibong - Nwanyi Bu Ife
Ehigocho Jacob - Where Is Your Wrapper
Tajudeen Aisha - What Is A Woman If Not Sister Under The Moon
Neeta Rare - My Mother's Brick House
Dokubo-Asari Habiba - Ode to My Grandmothers
Calister Charles - Sisters Of The Earth, Unite!
Adama Lami Yusuf - Women Together: We Heal, We Build, We Lift
Cynthia Mmesoma - Women Together: We Heal, We Build, We Lift
Junior Category
Peculiar Oluwanife Olujobi - Women Together: We Heal, We Build, We Lift
Hauwa Kale Bukar - Sisters Rising Poem
Damilola Olujobi - A Chorus of Change
These poets have been selected for their exceptional ability to use poetry as a means of advocacy, shining a light on issues of gender equity, women’s rights, and social justice. Their works reflect the lived experiences of women in marginalized communities, offering powerful narratives that challenge the status quo and inspire change.
Why Poetry Matters in Gender Empowerment
Poetry is more than just an art form; it is a voice for the voiceless, a way for women and girls to tell their stories and reclaim their narratives. In the context of gender empowerment, poetry serves as a medium through which marginalized voices can be heard, breaking the silence that often surrounds issues of inequality, violence, and discrimination.
By participating in the Vweta Chadwick Poetry Prize, these poets are not only sharing their creativity but also contributing to a larger movement for social justice. They are using their words to advocate for the rights of women and girls, to call for equity, and to empower others to do the same.
Join Us for a Celebration of Women’s Voices
We invite you to join us in celebrating these incredible poets at a special 2-day virtual event. This event is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of the power of poetry to drive social change, build community, and uplift women’s voices.
Event Details:
Day 1: Roundtable Discussion
Date: Friday, August 30th, 2024
Time: 7 PM WAT
Location: Zoom (bit.ly/vwetaprize2024)
Day 2: Poetry Competition & Open Mic
Date: Saturday, August 31st, 2024
Time: 10 AM WAT
Location: Zoom (bit.ly/vwetaprize2024)
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the power of poetry in advocating for gender equity and women’s rights. RSVP now: 08134741574
Join us as we honor the legacy of Vweta Chadwick and continue the fight for a world where every woman’s voice is heard and valued.
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