Dr. Fatou Sanogo, a renowned public health physician, slam artist, and co-founder of ORATIO, is gearing up to present her latest artistic creation, "Les violences d'une vie de femme," in Bamako on September 26. This innovative production combines slam, theater, song, and dance to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by women in Africa. Through the story of Hawa, a 60-year-old woman, Sanogo aims to raise awareness about various forms of violence, including female genital mutilation, early marriage, domestic violence, polygamy, and deprivation of rights.
Sanogo's inspiration for the production stems from her experiences as a physician and her passion for art. She believes that while statistics and prevention messages are essential, they often fail to resonate with people on an emotional level. By incorporating art, Sanogo hopes to create a more intimate and impactful experience for her audience. The production features a unique blend of slam, theater, song, and dance, allowing the audience to connect with Hawa's story on a deeper level.
The story of Hawa is fictional, but the challenges she faces are all too real. Sanogo's production aims to amplify the voices of countless African women who have endured similar struggles. By sharing Hawa's story, Sanogo hopes to spark a dialogue about women's rights and encourage her audience to take action. The production is a culmination of Sanogo's work with ORATIO, an organization dedicated to promoting human-centered health and social transformation.
Sanogo's commitment to women's rights extends beyond her artistic endeavors. She emphasizes the importance of implementing laws and policies that protect women's rights, citing the 2003 Maputo Protocol as a significant step forward. However, she notes that ratification is only the first step, and that effective implementation and community engagement are crucial to creating lasting change.
The Maputo Protocol, ratified by several African countries, including Guinea and Mali, aims to strengthen the protection of women's rights. Sanogo believes that while laws and policies are essential, they must be accompanied by awareness-raising and dialogue efforts. Her production seeks to contribute to this effort by sharing Hawa's story and encouraging audience members to become advocates for women's rights.
Following the Bamako premiere, Sanogo plans to take "Les violences d'une vie de femme" on tour across West Africa, with stops in Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Senegal. She is calling on institutions, partners, and organizations to support the tour and help amplify the message. Sanogo believes that by working together, it is possible to create a region where women's rights are not only protected by law but also respected and upheld in communities.
As the tour prepares to launch, Sanogo invites audiences to experience "Les violences d'une vie de femme" and connect with Hawa's story. By sharing this powerful production, Sanogo hopes to inspire a new wave of advocacy and support for women's rights in Africa. The production promises to be a poignant and thought-provoking experience, leaving audiences with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women and a renewed commitment to promoting their rights.
Key points
- Dr. Fatou Sanogo's production "Les violences d'une vie de femme" uses art to raise awareness about women's rights in Africa.
- The production tells the story of Hawa, a 60-year-old woman who has faced various forms of violence throughout her life.
- Sanogo plans to take the production on tour across West Africa to promote women's rights and encourage advocacy.
