The University of Abderrahmane Mira, in collaboration with the student affairs departments of Bejaia and El-Kseur, and the Raj committee of the university, is hosting the 7th National University Women's Theatre Festival from March 1st to 6th. The event, held under the theme "The Combating and Ambitious Woman," brings together participants from ten provinces. The festival aims to promote women's empowerment and celebrate their achievements in various fields.
The festival expects to welcome around 300 attendees from ten provinces, featuring a diverse program of theatrical performances, songs, panel discussions, exhibitions, and exchanges. According to the members of the Rassemblement actions jeunesse association of the University of Bejaia, the event will provide a platform for women to showcase their talents and share their experiences. The festival's program has been carefully curated to cater to a wide range of interests.
Nabila Djahnine, the festival's namesake, was a renowned architect and women's rights activist who was tragically assassinated on February 15, 1995, in Tizi Ouzou, at the age of 30. She was a founding member of the Tiɣri n Tmeṭṭut (Cri de la femme) association and had actively participated in mobilizations against violence against women and the family code. Djahnine's legacy continues to inspire women's rights activism in Algeria.
Throughout her life, Djahnine was committed to promoting women's rights and empowerment. She attended cinema club sessions as an adolescent in her hometown of Bejaia and later led a collective of students in Tizi Ouzou in 1988. In 1990, she founded and presided over the Tiɣri n Tmeṭṭut association, which aimed to promote women's rights and challenge discriminatory laws.
The context of Djahnine's assassination was marked by extreme violence, with several notable figures being targeted in the first half of February 1995. On February 5, filmmaker Djamel Fezzaz narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, while on February 11, teacher Ouraïs Menni was killed. Two days later, comedian Azzeddine Medjoubi and Abdelhafid Saïd, president of a student union, were also assassinated. Music producer Rachid Baba-Ahmed was killed on February 16, a day after Djahnine's murder.
The festival's organizers aim to keep Djahnine's memory alive by promoting her values and ideals. The event provides a platform for women to come together, share their experiences, and inspire one another. By celebrating women's achievements and promoting their empowerment, the festival hopes to contribute to a more equitable society.
The 7th National University Women's Theatre Festival is a testament to the enduring legacy of Nabila Djahnine and her tireless efforts to promote women's rights in Algeria. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of continued activism and advocacy for women's empowerment and equality.
Key points
- The festival promotes women's empowerment and celebrates their achievements in various fields.
- Nabila Djahnine was a prominent women's rights activist who was assassinated in 1995.
- The event brings together participants from ten provinces, featuring a diverse program of activities.
