It was a night of joy, celebration, reflection and sisterhood as scores of women, persons from the LGBTIQ community and male allies converged at Artscape for the launch of this year’s Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival under the theme “Peace in Action: Working Together”
Participants signed paper doves containing their respective messages of peace as Warrior Wire Woman, the Festival’s mascot received it, dressed in white; the dress code of the night reflecting the colour mostly associated with peace.
Says Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux; “The theme of Peace was chosen as that is what every woman would wish for in her life, her home and community. And for women living with disability, the hope is for the Peace-Of-Mind that comes from being an accepted and respected part of the broader society. In addition, Peace is a state that is currently threatened across the world, and so we raise our voices to call for Peace, tolerance and understanding – here at home and wherever in the world there is conflict and violence”.
In attendance were several key dignitaries including the Junior Mayor Michael-Daniel Bam and his Committee, Western Cape Government Chief Whip Gillion Bosman, Judge Rehana Parker, and Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais among others. The latter shared her words of encouragement and lauded the endeavour of hosting a month-long festival that would see a powerful tapestry of voices, arts, music, literature, and lived experience, with programming that speaks directly to the pressing need for healing and hope, take shape. She also endorsed the festival echoing le Roux’s words that Peace is needed in our communities plagues by socio-economic ills.
This year’s Festival equally celebrates the icons including Judge Albie Sachs, Virginia Davids, Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Sue Williamson, Fahruq Valley-Omar and the late Professor Nomvula Mthethwa. Of these icons Mtshali-Jones and Valley-Omar were present.
The Ubuntu Exhibition: Women of the Coast Caring for the River and the Ocean was also launched on this occasion.
The exhibition is about amplifying the voices from the West Coast Fisherwomen that so boldly have been struggling on their own to keep the mining industry from ruining the pristine ocean by mining in the ocean. The women went public with their story because it is a struggle not only for themselves, but for the whole of South Africa, which benefits from the ocean both through enjoying fresh fish and through tourism. Should the mining be allowed to continue, the ecosystem will be severely disrupted and their cultural, social, spiritual and economic relationship with the ocean as heritage and natural resource will be destroyed and their legacy to the future generations impacted.
Said Vianola Makan: “It gives a platform for our citizens of our country to show to the world their deep sense of care for humanity. And the outstanding work they are doing amidst so many obstacles never to give up, to stand for Justice for All with Action, Making a difference in your community and to be the change where every you are”.
Do come and see the exhibition in the Marble Foyer Extension that will run until the end of August, and of course do attend as many events and production as you can on offer during the Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival. Some of free but require RSVP while ticketed events are available via Webtickets.
National Women’s Day, 09 August will see a full day’s programme including the key note address by Judge Albie Sachs, Thandi Swaartbooi and Women Unite marimba band, interfaith blessings by the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative, handing over of StepUpForChange scroll in front of WIRE WOMAN dressed as PEACE MESSENGER and the iconic “Women Walking Artscape” procession around the complex. There will be stalls and health screenings in the foyers, Documentary screenings – featuring the work of Ubuntu Rural Women and Youth Movement and Persons with Disability and Lief n Leed – Ons is wat ons is. The full day of festivities will culminate with a Women in Jazz concert to honour Bush Radio’s 30th anniversary, featuring Babalwa Mentjies, Lady Day Big Band, Auriol Hays to name a few.
