Breaking Silence: My Womanhood My World by POWA

In 2005, a need was identified to create a collective space through which women could share their stories of surviving gender-based violence. POWA proceeded to set up the Writing Competition (now Project) by inviting women throughout the country to send short stories, poems and personal stories about their journey of survival.

For some, it is their opportunity to relate their stories for the first time, while for others it is a healing process. Some have achieved their lifelong dream of being published writers through this project, while others have been identified through this project (remove through this project) to perform their poetry in international conferences. This project covers women nationally as entry forms are open to applicants throughout the country.

Built on feminist principles, the project encourages women, through writing, to rid themselves of the shackles of silence, which often are the means through which the violence is perpetuated. The aim is to use writing and creative arts to facilitate healing whilst women share their stories.

In 2008, POWA reviewed the project’s structure and after much consideration, decided to change it from competition to project, thereby creating a safe space for as many women voices as possible.
One of the ways in which POWA empowers aspiring writers is by developing and improving writing skills. To this end, women are assisted to create a world which is safe in their country, communities, bodies, homes and minds through writing.