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Artists condemn Gender Based Violence in the creative sector
The culture and creative industries stakeholder that participated in the #Resiliart debate dubbed, “Saying No to Gender Based Violence in the Creative Landscape" on 10 December 2020, condemned the harassment of both women and men in the creative environment. The virtual debate was organised by Arterial Network and UNESCO with several artists from Southern Africa.
The forum condemned violence against women and girls in the creative sectors and strengthened solidarity among female artists in the Southern African region.
In her remarks, UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa Culture Specialist, Ms. Mulekeni Ngulube highlighted the importance of creating a social movement that will contribute in fighting against GBV directed at female artists in the region.
Speaking at the same occassion, Representative of Arterial Network Southern Africa, Melita said gender-based violence consequently affects the entire creative value chain from production to distribution both offline and online.
The debate noted that due to COVID-19, online presence of creatives has increased for them to be able to reach out to their audiences, fans to market their talents. However, online and social media platforms are increasingly becoming unsafe spaces for artists as they succumb to cyber-bullying.
Natasha Dowell (Graphic Designer and Communication Scientist) explained the causes and impacts of cyberbullying on women in creative spaces. She highlighted that the cases of cyberbullying and online attacks for female artists were increasing, and shared the negative impacts of such violations to the quality of content that women produce as artists.
The platform opened gates for progressive discussions on steps to take for the creation of strong social structures and networks that work effectively in addressing and reducing cases of GBV in the arts and the entire creative value chain. The debate brought to the attention of government authorities the effects of violence on female creatives in the region, with real life testimonies.
Concrete recommendations were suggested, which include the creation of a culture specific gender policy framework, creation of a database with records of cases of GBV within the creative sector and to amplify the use of art and creativity to advocate against GBV.
The debate took place in the context of the 16 Days of Activism with artists sharing solidarity and advocacy messages.
