Nyathi embarks on campaign to educate artistes on gender-based violence

The poet embarked on the programme after he was officially appointed by The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, sub-regional Office for Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands usually referred to as UN Women SARO to be part of the its Regional Creative Arts Advisory Council that is made up of 13 African countries.

In an interview at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo, on Thursday, Nyathi told Saturday Leisure that his three-year plan was going to involve everyone in the Zimbabwean society.

“In my campaign I have decided to work with the artistes as their works can bring change in our society by reducing gender based violence.

“So my campaign has started in Bulawayo and in a few days time I will be going to Harare to meet with other artistes there,” he said.

Nyathi said the campaign was meant to reduce the levels of violence in Zimbabwe by involving every citizen.

“I am urging the visual artistes and musicians to produce something that can reduce violence in our country.

“I am working with these guys because art has got an instant transformation effect,” he said.
The poet added that already there are some programmes that are going to be held in all the schools countrywide.

“We are going to have competitions held at primary, secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

“We believe this is going to change people’s mindset on gender based violence,” he said.

The poet said in schools they are going to introduce different competitions that would see children winning different prizes.

“Our aim is to introduce a catch them young policy by educating these children on the dangers of gender based violence and in the process they will be given prizes if they excel in these competitions,” he said.
Nyathi said in schools they would introduce educative competitions that range from quiz to essay competitions.

The poet said he is working with a number of local organisations in fighting against gender based violence and some of these organisations include Zimbabwe National Arts Council, Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, United Nations Women and Ministry of Woman affairs Gender and Community Development.