European Union and Ballanta Academy of Music & Performing Arts Launch Singing Competition to Raise Awareness on Gender-Based Violence

The competition launched by the European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jacek Jankowski at the Ballanta Academy’s studios is open to participants aged 18 – 35 years and will peak on 12^th December, when the winner will be announced at a gala night and awards ceremony. 

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The competition whose primary goal is to create a wider awareness of the dangers of gender-based violence, was launched in the run-up to the annual global campaign: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which starts on November 25^th and ends on December 10^th. 

“Today, we kickstart an important advocacy initiative to generate public discussion and scale up efforts to end GBV against women and girls in Sierra Leone,” said EU Ambassador Jankowski.

The European Union has been actively involved in efforts to combat GBV in Sierra Leone. It has partnered with the United Nations, through the Spotlight initiative, a multi-year global EU-UN partnership, to deal with prevention, protection and support for survivors of GBV.

Launched in July 2024, the Euro 15 million Spotlight initiative also seeks to strengthen legal frameworks, improve responsive services and engage communities in challenging harmful norms through coordinated funding and technical assistance. The aim is to create a safer society for women and girls in the country.

Statistics from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS) 

show that an estimated 62-percent of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence.

The global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is, “ending digital violence against all women”, spotlighting the prevalence and impact of technology assisted gender-based violence. 

Studies suggest that up to 58-percent of women and girls globally have experienced some form of online violence, infringing on their rights and freedoms and leading to psychological and social harm. 

“Digital violence can silence women’s voices in online spaces and from the public sphere, especially, in leadership roles, and thus, infringing on their rights, by alienating them from participating in the country’s democratic processes,” added Ambassador Jankowski. 

The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts brings in their technical expertise, crucial in identifying the winning song. 

“As a change agent, music transforms societies. And so, Ballanta is proud to be associated with this initiative, which seeks to use music to sensitize and mobilize communities against GBV. This collaboration with the EU fulfils our desire to use the power of music to change society,” said Dr. Julius Spencer, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy. 

Music has long served as a powerful medium for advocacy and healing. By engaging young musicians in this initiative, the Academy seeks to create a platform where stories of resilience and resistance against GBV can be shared, heard, and transformed into action.

Eight talented finalists will be selected to undergo an intensive training and coaching program, including mentorship from a renowned music instructor brought in from Europe to guide and inspire the participants.

At the conclusion of the competition, the top three finalists will be awarded cash prizes of SLE 30,000, SLE 20,000, and SLE 10,000 respectively, along with full certificate courses. The remaining five finalists will each receive a consolation prize of SLE 1,000.

The EU Delegation to Sierra Leone encourages young music artists to submit their entries to this competition with a noble cause; and add a voice to efforts to combat the highly retrogressive practice of Gender-Based Violence. 

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We invite young people to submit their songs for the competition. Submissions can be sent directly via WhatsApp to +232 76 111 882 or +232 88 591 619 or through the online registration form: https://bit.ly/48V8p1N

For more details on how to enter the competition, follow our social media platforms (Facebook: @EUinSierraLeone, WhatsApp: EUnaSalone and on X: @EUinSierraLeone) and the Ballanta Academy’s social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and on X.

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