Music can be used as a therapy for healing souls who have been through the threshold of life. You cannot deny its profound power of mobilising people who have similar interests, stories and experiences in the society.
To effectively create GBV sensitisation in the rural communities, especially across most local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, Women In Mediation Network, WiMNet, thought it wise to reach out to women through women’s anthem song.
This prompted the organisation to translate the anthem lyrics to local (Ibibio) language in melody so that this will enable women and girls not only to dance to its rhythm but to understand its lyrics at heart.
It is worthy noting that it is the first of its kind.This means the humanitarian organisation is the first to translate the woman’s anthem in to a native mother tongue – Ibibio language (of Southern Nigeria).
This effectively reaches out and resonate among women and girls in the State.
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Since its inception, every occasion held in the organisation, the women’s local anthem is used to remind women of their fundamental human rights and the need to stand to exhibit their potentials in the society. It will also enable the women to fight against heinous traditional practices in their communities.
WiMNet has not only succeeded in domesticating the women’s anthem in the state, but has also created a blueprint that will enable other organisations to impact vulnerable women in rural communities to find their voices through music advocacy.
Now, women across most local government areas in the State can have a sense of belonging and better understanding through this lbibio’s version of the women’s anthem and with this; their voices will be enhanced to seek justice over Gender-Based Violence committed against women and girls in their various localities.
It will also bring about the desired attitudinal change among women and girls in Akwa Ibom State. It is also to localise the women peace and security agenda UNSCR 1325.
