By Staff Reporter
Student and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT), Jibilika Dance Trust with Swedish Embassy support joined hands to empower young voice to drive social change through art.
Dubbed the Creative Reproductive Health Arts Festival for Transformation (Craft II), the event ran under the theme ‘Voices unleashed: Addressing Drug and Substance Abuse, SRH, and GBV through Art’.
Speaking at the event in Harare on Friday, SAYWHAT Executive Director, Jimmy Wilford emphasized the urgency need to address the scourge in drug and substance abuse and it’s effects on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender based violence (GBV) in youth across the country.
“Art has always been a powerful medium to challenge, inspire, and transform behaviours and norms. It speaks a language that transcends borders, cultures, and differences. Through CRAFT, we aim to provide a platform where young talents can showcase their work, engage with diverse audiences, and spark honest conversations on drug and substance abuse and its connection with SRH and GBV, conversations that will resonate long after the festival is over,” said Wilford.
In his remarks Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgärde said, CRAFT has witnessed the convergence of creativity and advocacy, where art becomes a powerful medium to address some of the most pressing issues faced by our youth today.
“It is an honour to stand before you today at this remarkable edition of the Creative Reproductive health Arts Festival for Transformation, CRAFT, witnessing the convergence of creativity and advocacy, where art becomes a powerful medium to address some of the most pressing issues faced by our youth today.
“Over the years, I have learned of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural history, and how art has been a constant mechanism in addressing the challenges of different times. From Oliver Mtukudzi’s song ‘Todii’ which called for collective action against HIV and AIDS, to ‘iThemba’ a song created by the winners of the last edition of CRAFT which inspires hope to young people amidst the various gender-based violence and sexual reproductive health challenges that they face”, he said.
Ambassador Per Lindgärde added “The theme of this festival, ‘Youth Voices Unleashed: addressing the nexus between drug and substance abuse, sexual reproductive health, and gender-based violence through art’ resonates deeply with Sweden and is a poignant reminder to us all that these issues are not isolated. They are interconnected challenges that require a holistic approach, and it is commendable to see young people harnessing art not just as a form of expression but a powerful tool for social transformation”.
Craft II leverages the transformative power of art to address some of the most pressing public health challenges affecting young people today especially the role of drug and substance abuse in exacerbating sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence challenges.
Launched in 2022, Craft brings together young people from across Zimbabwe, providing them with a platform to express their experiences and perspectives through art.
Craft II will feature a diverse lineup of artistic performances, exhibitions, games, and competitions, creating an inclusive, community-focused atmosphere that encourages dialogue, empowerment, and action.
The festival was a success with performances performances by talented young artists, including winners from the SayWhat talent search competition, as well as renowned artists who share a connection to the festival’s themes.
The second edition of the Craft short film Choices 2, a powerful SRH-GBV narrative, will be launched alongside its theme soundtracks featuring acclaimed musicians.
Through this festival, SayWhat and Jibilika are committed to empowering youth, amplifying their voices, and inspiring them to actively engage in social change.
The two organisations recognise that art is a powerful tool for advocacy, capable of raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and driving policy change on critical issues.
Craft II aligns with national efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, which has been declared a national disaster in Zimbabwe.
