Call For Contributions - Women Writing For Peace #PeaceDay #Somalia

Dear all, 

The Puntland Women Writers Association (PWWA) is sending this out Call for contributions to Somali women writers, poets, essayists, storytellers, artists, composers from all over Somalia to submit their artworks to commemorate International #PeaceDay which falls on Friday September 21st. The theme this year is Human Rights – the Right to Peace. To what human right do you commit yourself to in your community? By marking #PeaceDay, PWWA will help make this global event a success and thereby promote positive social change to develop a foundation of a just society on which to build a more peaceful Somalia. The activity aims to raise awareness about the importance of peace and & human rights highlight women’s contributions towards peaceful co-existence

Established 5 years ago, the Puntland Women Writers Association (PWWA) is a Somali women’s network organization that promotes women’s participation in cultural, social, economic and political activities by providing them a platform on which they can voice their opinions on matters that affect them. Grounded on the historical Somali custom of poetry and art as forms of communication and cultural engagement, PWWA use creative writing, digital journalism and literary galas to influence the masses and inspire change. PWWA facilitates activities and builds capacity for its members to cultivate, craft and refine talent for writing to give visibility to women’s writing as asset for mobilization and dissemination.

Planned activities include;

1.        A call for contributions from women writers and poets in Somalia.


2.        Creative writing/blogging workshops to support upcoming artists craft their ideas for peace.


3.         Literary sessions to give opportunity to applicants to practice presenting their works;


4.        Compilation of all submitted peace artworks into ‘a peace book’ and publication.


5.        Poetry posters sessions of submitted works and exhibition on festive launch ceremony.


6.         Applicants will each receive a copy of the peace book bundle and a surprise gift as an appreciation.


7.        A festive ceremony celebrating #PeaceDay with submitted artworks; poster sessions; launch of ‘peace book’; infographic video clip of applicants + submissions; cultural performances; poetry recitals; panel sessions; peace theatre; storytelling sessions; spoken word & more from women's perspectives.


8.        Interviews with applicants about their submissions, experiences of the process by international media.

What is your vision for peace in Somalia? Possible ideas/topics for submissions could include fiction stories describing ways women and girls can/are building peace in Somalia; or poems that speak of peace and human rights, nonviolence; or artworks and sights of peace, justice, to ignite new thinking; or personal narratives, drawings and illustrative storylines/comics; or other creatives idea about how you think society should plant more seeds for peace and justice in Somalia. All applicants are required to submit full contacts and a brief bio which’ll be used for the posters.

There are no submission restrictions on length, amount, etc of contributions. You are free to determine the size and length of your contribution. Send your submissions before 16 September 2018 by email to info@puntlandwomenwriters.org  or puntlandwomenwriters@gmail.com For more information about PWWA and its activities, kindly follow them on social media; Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @PuntlandW.

Attached you will find the flyer with details and the actual Call.