Africa-Press – Eswatini. Yebo Art Gallery in collaboration with the European Union hosted an art exhibition and auction on Friday.
This event was staged as a stance against gender-based violence in the country and served as a platform for artists to speak out against the social ill.
Before the exhibition began, a documentary of the artists exhibiting was screened at the venue. The documentary had the artists express their views and concerns about gender-based violence whilst going in depth about their own work.
Gracing the exhibition were various dignitaries which included the Deputy Prime Minister, Thuli Dladla.
The DPM engaged in a ‘walk-about’ in the gallery space whilst interacting with the artworks. European Union Ambassador to the Kingdom of Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, shared a speech during the opening of the exhibition. In her speech she touched on the importance of women being empowered and trusted in positions of leadership. She additionally condemned all forms of gender-based violence.
“The European Union strongly condemns all forms of violence against women and girls, including harmful practices, as a blatant violation of human rights.
It is absolutely unacceptable that women are violated, abused or harassed and girls are forcibly married or mutilated,” she stated. In line with the global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – UNITE TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS, she emphasised that the EU invested in prevention and protection because these are fundamental pillars in the fight against gender-based violence.
“Firstly, for this year’s campaign, we have engaged with local artists to fight against GBV through their creations. 10 artists will produce artworks that will express their solidarity with the survivors of GBV as a meaningful and innovative contribution to this campaign.
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“The artworks will later be sold and the EU will donate the proceeds to local organisations involved in the fight against GBV,” she said.
“In Eswatini, we have collaborated with a number of institutions and organisations to promote women’s rights and gender equality, including on ending violence against women and girls.
Furthermore, the EU recognises that the boy child should also not be forgotten, as he is similarly vulnerable to abuse and should be protected,” she added.
The works exhibited ranged from tapestry to paintings and photography. The artists were, Wema, Xolelwa Malinga, Honest Mhlanga, Sive Manana, Aleta Armstrong, Sinenkosi Msomi, Khulekani Msweli, Thabo Lukhele, Phindile Mamba, and Bulelwa Kunene (who was not present).
The auction followed the talks and was conducted by Honest Mhlanga and Siphilele ‘Sips’ Magagula. The duo charismatically carried the room throughout the process – occasionally adding humour and wit to their duties. After an energetic and exciting auction, all the works by the artists were bought by various individuals and entities. These included the DPM, the EU ambassador as well as entities such as Standard Bank, Central Bank and Vukani BoMake Project.
It was disclosed that over E30 000 was raised and that the funds would be directed towards charity organisations.
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