In solidarity with the United Nations International Women’s Day 2021
(IWD 2021) themed as “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in
a COVID-19 World” and the offshoot #ChooseToChallenge campaign, the All
African Music Awards, AFRIMA, on Monday, March 8, is joining the rest of
the world to honour the strength of women, celebrate their diverse
social, economic, cultural and political achievements and call for
accelerated gender parity in general and better remuneration for women
in the culture industry in Africa.
IWD 2021 turns the spotlight on the tremendous efforts by women and
girls around the world in creating and sustaining the fight against
COVID-19, their roles in shaping an equal future in the recovery from
the pandemic, while highlighting the underlying structural gender gaps
that still exist.
COVID-19 struck the world in December 2019 and distorted the dynamics of
human relations. The pandemic revealed the institutional gaps in society
and amplified the need to create systems, safe spaces and opportunities
for women, and also brought to fore the increasing importance of women
representation in decision-making processes across all levels.
In her remarks, Music Executive and Member of the International Jury of
AFRIMA for the Diaspora in North Africa, Ms. Hadja Kobele Keita, gave
credit to women entrepreneurs shattering the glass ceiling in the music
industry.
“At the very inception of the African music industry culture, women had
always been at the forefront. However, we are grossly underpaid and
underrepresented. In order to break barriers, women are creating their
own path in the industry by starting their own companies and taking on
more executive roles. It’s delicate but, for us to be heard in an
industry overpowered by traditional norms, it is a significant step
forward. What gives me hope for the future of women, particularly in the
African music industry, is the fact that we have organizations like
AFRIMA that are committed to pushing the agenda of empowering women in a
society that tries to suppress our creativity”, Ms. Keita stated.
Similarly, the President & Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada
reaffirmed the commitment of the awards to being a contributor to
sustainable and impactful conversations that push for an integrated and
a peaceful continent as well as for socio-economic growth for all
Africans, equality for women and ending the violence against women.
“The IWD 2021 #ChoosetoChallenge campaign is complementary to one of our
awards objective of retelling the story of Africa from the perspective
of our unique cultural heritage and creativity. AFRIMA emphasizes the
importance of fair representation and women constitute an integral and
important part of that. The fight for equality is our fight, and
everyone’s fight”.
AFRIMA understands the importance of representation in the music and
culture industry of Africa and remains committed to using its platform
and network to promote gender balance, women empowerment and
inclusiveness. Part of the awards’ Corporate Social Responsibility
initiative campaigns geared towards promoting girl child empowerment for
leadership roles through education have held in countries such as The
Gambia, Ghana, and Nigeria. The continental awards project has also
partnered with global advocacy institutions such as the ONE Campaign to
promote and support female empowerment efforts.