The Student and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT), in partnership with Jibilika Dance Trust and with support from the Embassy of Sweden in Harare, is thrilled to announce the 2nd edition of the Creative Reproductive Health Arts Festival for Transformation (CRAFT II). This impactful festival will be held on Friday, 22 November 2024, at Harare Gardens, with the theme, “VOICES UNLEASHED: Addressing Drug and Substance Abuse, SRH, and GBV through Art.”
Unleashing Youth Voices on Drug and Substance Abuse, Sexual Reproductive Health, and Gender-Based Violence through Art“
CRAFT II seeks to harness the transformative potential of the arts to address critical public health issues affecting young Zimbabweans, including the ways in which drug and substance abuse (DSA) exacerbate challenges in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV).
Launched in 2022, CRAFT provides an inclusive platform for youth from across Zimbabwe to voice their experiences and perspectives through diverse art forms. This year’s event will feature an exciting lineup of performances, exhibitions, games, and competitions, fostering a community-centered space that promotes dialogue, empowerment, and action.
The festival will showcase emerging and established young artists, including winners from the SAYWHAT talent search competition, along with renowned artists who are passionate about these issues. A special highlight of the event will be the launch of Choices 2, a short film that explores SRH and GBV, accompanied by theme songs from celebrated Zimbabwean musicians Willom Tight and Leo Magozz.
SAYWHAT is a student and youth social movement birthed in 2003 with the express ambition to contribute to the existence of healthy and empowered students and youth in Zimbabwe. who thoroughly enjoy their sexual and reproductive health and rights. The movement has evolved over the years and has expanded its scope of work beyond SRHR to embrace public health, education, and child protection programming.”
Jibilika Dance Trust founded in 2007, to inspire social change through dance and youth culture, has over the years expanded its focus to address issues like SRH, substance abuse, and violence, using creative platforms to engage, educate, and empower young people.”
Festival Highlights
• Exhibitions: Local and regional artists, civil society groups, and health service providers will exhibit their creative works, deliver essential health services, and promote awareness on SRH, GBV, and DSA. Broadcasting partners will be on-site to share festival highlights with audiences nationwide.
• Interactive Games and Competitions: CRAFT II will engage festival-goers with games and contests, including photography, poetry slams, short story contests, and dance-offs. SAYWHAT’s mobile podcast and earGROUND’s Kombi Station will be available, allowing attendees to participate in discussions and win prizes.
Through CRAFT II, SAYWHAT and Jibilika are committed to empowering youth, amplifying their voices, and motivating them to actively contribute to social change. Both organizations understand that art is a powerful tool for advocacy, one that can raise awareness, foster dialogue, and drive policy changes on crucial issues.
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