The Institute for Young Women Development this year took part in ONE BILLION RISING FOR JUSTICE which is a global call for women violence survivors to break the silence and release their stories – politically, spiritually, outrageously – through art, dance, marches, ritual, song, spoken word, testimonies and whatever way feels right. IYWD organised a vibrant event on the 14th of February 2014 in the presence of the community leaders who also took part in the event. During the event young women danced traditional dances such as the Jerusarema as they broke free from confinement, obligation, shame, guilt, grief, pain, humiliation, rage, and bondage. Some of the women performed a skit showing the ghastly violations women go through on a daily bases in and outside their homes. For some of these women these were real life experiences and this was a chance for them to break the silence and release their stories. The community leaders expressed their commitment to increasing their efforts to curb violence against women in their communities by signing commitment forms and lighting up candles that represented justice.
IYWD’s members singing and dancing during the commemoration and the candles representing justice have been lit
Women letting loose and enjoying themselves as they express themselves through dance and songs
The dancing continues as the other women cheer on and join in
