Locals use art to fight gender-based violence

Active Youngins Foundation (AYF) will host the Unity Arts Festival in a bid to fight gender-based violence (GBV) on November 7 at Rosettenville Central Primary School.

AYF chairperson Carol Imbokodo and general secretary Jimmy Ntuli said for the first time there will be a Mr and Miss Rosettenville in the area. 

“We need 100 models, boys and girls, to participate in this beauty pageant. We will host different programmes where we will empower our youth in Rosettenville. Registrations are open and it is free.

“The purpose of this festival is to conscientise the community about GBV and how we can be a better nation. We will be working with the community and the leaders in the area.

“We want women to be valued. We want women to feel safe around men, hence we are creating a safer space where we can interact and share ideas. This event will bring to light the importance of creative sector in the community. Arts always bring communities together. We will have two categories; 12 to 15 years and 18 to 25 years, both boys and girls,” explained Jimmy.

AYF has been doing different youth developments, educational and religious programmes in the area to foster social change.

Carol said there are numerous challenges in Ward 56, problems like scarcity of jobs and the youth not being positively active.

“That is why we came with this idea of the festival, to get all the youth in one focused place, doing something progressing. On the day there will be exhibition stall for all the young talent in the area to showcase their craft also young designers are welcomed to contact us if their want to sponsor the models,” she said.

They urged local municipal, business people, individuals, and beauty salons in the area to support them and make sure that this festival is a success.

For more information contact Jimmy on 062 149 0909.