PR: OBR Pacific 2017

One Billion Rising (OBR) Pacific team hosted a Spoken Words evening last night at the USP Performance Space, kindly sponsored by the FALE department at USP.

The evening was opened by Charlotte Taylor, the Chief Guest, who is a lecturer at the University and the chairperson of the Graduate Women of Fiji (GWF).

“THIS YEAR, WE ARE RISING IN SOLIDARITY AGAINST THE EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN. Women in all fields and this are more so in the field of STEM. And this is the focus of GWF to providing opportunities to girls to pursue their dreams of achieving higher quality education in STEM and to feel safe; emotionally socially and financially, in their choice.”

MC's, performers and the team behind the scene 

During the event young women shared spoken words pieces that they have written sharing various issues that concern them. These ranged from violence against women, inequality, traditions, religion, catcalling, sex and vocabulary. While the event saw some regulars to the OBR event it was refreshing to see some new faces participate in the Spoken words event as well as in the audience.

“OBR has been celebrated in Fiji since 2013. I am honored to have been a part of it since inception and I think each year I look forward to this with much eagerness. It is a platform for us, young women, to raise our voices and speak our minds. We have the opportunity to use this safe space and change minds. We are truly using creative means of advocating on social issues. It is a powerful space.” says Elisha Bano, Coordinator OBR Pacific.

“It was an amazing space where newcomers to spoken words felt comfortable enough to share their pieces, express themselves and inspire others, performer Sian Rolls.  

The event was organized by volunteers from Advocacy (through) Creative Techniques (ACT) and Emerging Leaders Forum Alumni (ELFA).

“Such events empower women to share their honest feelings about various issues. We have recorded the performances and now we will upload them to our YouTube channel and share it with an even wider audience.” Aatika Patel, Media Liaison, ACT.

Photo credit: ACT

“It was great to see a lot of new faces. The performances were powerful, emotional and epic which made it a lovely night and safe space,” says co-MC Chandra Fisiiahi of ELFA.

The event concluded with the demonstration of the ever so empowering Break the Chain dance routine being performed and was possible with the sponsorships received from USP FALE, DJ Skitz and Phoenix designs.