Student and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT) in partnership with Jibilika Dance Trust and through the support of the Embassy of Sweden in Harare, is thrilled to announce the 2nd edition of the Creative Reproductive Health Arts Festival for Transformation (CRAFT II). The festival will take place on Friday the 22^nd of November 2024 at Harare Gardens, running under the theme “VOICES UNLEASHED: Addressing Drug and Substance Abuse, SRH, and GBV through Art”.

CRAFT II leverages the transformative power of art to address some of the most pressing public health challenges affecting young people today especially the role of drug and substance abuse (DSA) in exacerbating sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence challenges.

Launched in 2022, CRAFT brings together young people from across Zimbabwe, providing them with a vibrant platform to express their experiences and perspectives through art. CRAFT II will feature a diverse lineup of artistic performances, exhibitions, games, and competitions, creating an inclusive, community-focused atmosphere that encourages dialogue, empowerment, and action.

The festival will feature performances by talented young artists, including winners from the SAYWHAT talent search competition, as well as renowned artists who share a connection to the festival’s themes. The second edition of the CRAFT short film Choices 2, a powerful SRH-GBV narrative, will be launched alongside its theme soundtracks featuring acclaimed musicians Willom Tight and Leo Magozz.

Festival Highlights

• Exhibitions: Local and regional artists, civil society organizations, and health service providers will exhibit their creative works, provide health services, and promote awareness on SRH, GBV, drug and substance abuse. Broadcasting platforms will be on-site to share festival highlights with audiences across Zimbabwe.

• Interactive Games and Competitions: CRAFT II will incorporate games and contests, including photography, poetry slams, short story contests, and dance-offs, making the festival both engaging and educational. SAYWHAT’s mobile podcast and JIBILIKA’s Kombi Station will allow attendees to participate in discussions and win prizes.

Through this festival, SAYWHAT and Jibilika are committed to empowering youth, amplifying their voices, and inspiring them to actively engage in social change. The two organizations recognize that art is a powerful tool for advocacy, capable of raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and driving policy change on critical issues. CRAFT II aligns with national efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, which has been declared a national disaster in Zimbabwe.

Objectives of CRAFT II

The festival aims to:

1. 1. Amplify youth voices on DSA, SRH, and GBV through various art forms.

1. 1. Increase public awareness of the interconnectedness of these issues.

1. 1. Foster open discussions, exchange of ideas and solutions among stakeholders.

1. 1. Showcase art as a tool for advocacy and social change.

1. 1. Build a supportive community of artists, activists, and advocates.

1. 1. Encourage partnerships among youth organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

1. 1. Present innovative solutions to inspire community action.

1. 1. Celebrate the diversity of young voices across Zimbabwe.

About SAYWHAT and Jibilika

SAYWHAT is a student and youth social movement birthed in 2003 with the express ambition to contribute to the existence of healthy and empowered students and youth in Zimbabwe. who thoroughly enjoy their sexual and reproductive health and rights. The movement has evolved over the years and has expanded its scope of work beyond SRHR to embrace public health, education, and child protection programming.

Jibilika Dance Trust founded in 2007, to inspire social change through dance and youth culture, has over the years expanded its focus to address issues like SRH, substance abuse, and violence, using creative platforms to engage, educate, and empower young people.