— 5th October 2024 : Initiating a dialogue to address the silence surrounding rape and abuse within the art sector.
Venue : Moshions | 2-5 pm
An initiative designed to engage artists in fostering a movement that encourages cultural operators, institutions, governmental organizations, and the general public to take a stand against rape culture and implement concrete, sustainable actions.
This event will bring together key stakeholders, including artists, activists, legal experts, and representatives from civil society, to discuss the intersection of art, justice, and gender-based violence.
The purpose of the panel is to engage in a candid dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in addressing rape culture within the Rwandan art sector, highlighting existing gaps in accountability, and exploring the role artists can play in shifting narratives and driving social change.
Panelists will share personal experiences, proposed solutions, and emphasize the importance of solidarity and collaboration. The discussion will also serve as a platform to amplify the voices of survivors, whose stories will guide the direction of the conference.
This panel discussion will not only heighten awareness but will also foster a sense of urgency, ensuring that the conference will be both impactful and solutions-driven.
After the panel discussion a party will be held at Moshions in Kiyovu to launch our collaboration with artists who have already positioned themselves as agent of change to end rape culture in the Art sector.
The party will consist of a dance battle followed by a few deejay sets :
— Move Afrika Dance Camp Battle with Manzi Mbaya : 7 PM to 9 PM
— Dj Sets with Alyt Mx vs EitBall, Dj Juicy and Dj Binghi : 9 PM to 1 AM
Schedule :
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Registration & Welcome Coffee
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Opening Ceremony
Welcome remarks from the conference organizer + a keynote speech by a cultural leader.
Introduction of Preparing for change, the Talk and future ambitions by the host.
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Panel : The Roots of Impunity about sexual abuse and the importance creating Safe Spaces in the Art Sector
Creating the conversation about the impunity that enables rape culture in Rwanda and within the Art sector in particular.
Experts will analyze the systemic issues that allow impunity to flourish in Rwanda.
Questions :
- What legal and social frameworks perpetuate this culture of silence ?
- How do cultural traditions contribute to the normalization of abuse ?
- What solutions can be proposed to start a conversation that will lead to effective actions ?
- What are the numbers related to rape reports at Isange ?
- Do people in charge of receiving victims have training to that effect ? What kind of training ?
- What determines the choice of arresting perpetrators after the crime is reported ? How long does it take ?
- Do event organizers have tools to ensure safety for artists and participants including concerning sexual abuse ?
- How can artists organize together with cultural institutions to create safer spaces ?
- How to encourage affected people to report their own experiences ? How to create an environment that doesn’t let them feel guilty or experience shame ?
Moderators :
— Natacha Muziramakenga
Multidisciplinary Artist known as Miziguruka
— Regina Sarreiter
Head of Culture Department of Goethe Institut
Panelists :
— Dr Francois-Xavier Hakizimana
Forensic Doctor at Kacyiru Hospital
A representative from Isange One Stop Center to assess the situation of rape and personnel training and tools to receive victims.
— Freya Zaninka De Clercq
Psychologist
A psychologist from Solid Minds to analyze the culture of silence around rape
— Bruno Gouteux
Rwanda Safe Events
The Founder of Rwanda Safe Events to talk about their tools to address and fight abuse
— Angell Mutoni
Artist (singer)
To talk about her experience and position about abuse in the art sector and her proposed solutions on her behalf as Rwandan Artist.
— Manzi Mbaya
Artist (dancer)
To talk about his experience and position about abuse in the art sector and his proposed solutions on his behalf as Rwandan Artist.
