–Yashiba Sanil, Communications and Campaigns Officer
As we approach International Women’s Day, we are excited to share our poetry campaign: #HerVerse.
In a world where women’s voices have historically been silenced or side-lined, poetry and spoken words have served as powerful tools for social justice, awareness, healing, and empowerment. Through #HerVerse, we aim to amplify the voices of women, celebrating their strength, resilience, and diversity, while shedding light on the issues they face.
Poetry has a long and rich history of being used as a vehicle for social change. From the suffragette movement to the civil rights movement, poets and spoken word artists have played a crucial role in challenging oppressive systems and advocating for equality. Their words have inspired, mobilised, and empowered communities to demand justice and create a better world.
Today, in an era marked by ongoing struggles for gender equality and the eradication of violence against women, poetry remains as relevant and impactful as ever. Through #HerVerse, we plan showcase the work of spoken word artists who are using their art to address important issues around gender.
Poetry has a unique ability to humanise experiences that are often overlooked or misunderstood. It can convey the pain, fear, and resilience of survivors in a way that resonates deeply with audiences, fostering empathy and understanding. By sharing stories through poetry, women reclaim their narratives, turning experiences into power which can also inspire others to break the cycle of violence.
Furthermore, poetry and spoken word provide a space for healing and catharsis for survivors of gender-based violence. Writing and performing poetry can be a transformative process, allowing survivors to process their trauma, reclaim their voices, and connect with others who have shared similar experiences. Through #HerVerse, we also encourage you to come forward, share your words and explore the therapeutic power of poetry in a supportive and empowering environment.
Art and poetry about social issues do not just have to be about raising awareness and healing—it can also be powerful mediums to celebrate strength, resilience, and diverse experiences. Through poetry, we seek to celebrate the diversity of women’s experiences and identities, amplifying voices that are often silenced.
As we launch #HerVerse, this International Women’s Day, we invite you to join us in celebrating the power of poetry to create change. Whether you’re a poet, a survivor, an ally, or simply someone who believes in the power of women’s voices, there is a place for you in our campaign. Together, let’s harness the transformative power of poetry to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable world for all women.
Join the conversation on social media using #HerVerse and we can harness the power of poetry to build a more inclusive and equitable world where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and respected.