A Billion ears open

By Mrs M 

The artistic community in Eswatini is alive with inspiration following the successful launch of the Voices Listening Exhibition presented by Divine Artists group in collaboration with One Billion Rising Eswatini in April.

This is a powerful initiative that amplifies the lived experiences of women across Africa.

 The exhibition, centered on ‘radical listening’ to women's stories, has deeply resonated with local artists, sparking a renewed sense of purpose to create a distinctly Eswatini version that reflects the unique struggles and strength of women in Eswatini.

Poet Dzeli Mdluli who is spear heading this intiative highlighted that for women in Eswatini, daily life is often marked by significant hurdles. 

She says, gender-based violence remains a critical concern, with reports from local NGOs and international bodies indicating that a considerable number of women have experienced physical or sexual violence. 

Fear of reprisal and societal judgment often prevent these cases from being reported, leaving survivors feeling isolated and without recourse. Beyond violence, the voices of women are frequently suppressed in various spheres of life, from private homes to public platforms. 

“Opportunities for women to speak freely are often limited, and even when they do, their perspectives can be dismissed, silenced, or appropriated. This systemic silencing underscores the profound importance of initiatives like the Listening Exhibition, which actively seeks to place women's voices at the heart of the conversation,” she said.

To ensure the success of a local Listening Exhibition, artists and organizers emphasize the necessity of building trust and fostering inclusivity. Creating safe spaces, both physically and emotionally, where women can share their stories without fear of judgment or retaliation is paramount. 

Plans are underway for workshops, storytelling circles, and community dialogues, co-designed with women themselves to accurately reflect their needs and aspirations. 

The vision is to generate a transformative ripple effect, extending beyond the arts to reshape how society engages with gender equality. 

The concept of ‘radical listening’ championed by the exhibition goes beyond simply hearing women's stories. It entails listening with genuine compassion, openness, and a commitment to action.

Colani Hlatjwako, the One Billion Rising Africa Regional Coordinator, emphasizes that this form of listening must be rooted in love and unity.

 “We must listen with compassion, love, and unity.We can only end violence against women in our society when we tell our stories as women, and those who listen must ensure that it is not just listening but radical listening.” she stated.

This emphasis aligns with global feminist perspectives that view listening as an active and transformative process. In Eswatini, where stigma, shame, and fear often silence women, the urgency for such active engagement is undeniable.

The Listening Exhibition has ignited a powerful spark within Eswatini's creative community. Artists who attended the launch were deeply moved by the stories shared and the potential of art to drive meaningful social change. 

A strong consensus emerged: the next crucial step is to create a local adaptation of the exhibition, one that draws directly from the lived experiences of Swazi women and is expressed through indigenous languages, cultural references, and traditional storytelling methods.

Visual artists, filmmakers, poets, dancers, and musicians are being called upon to contribute their unique talents. The aim is to establish an inclusive platform where women from all walks of life, from rural farmers to urban professionals, can safely and authentically share their narratives.

 Such a platform would not only validate women's experiences but also serve as a catalyst for crucial conversations around healing, justice, and the need for policy change. By localizing the exhibition, artists hope to reach communities often excluded from national dialogues, particularly those who do not speak English or reside far from the capital, Mbabane.

Renowned Eswatini filmmaker Welile Masuku-Nxumalo, a speaker at the launch event, echoed the sentiments of many attendees.

“We are grateful for this initiative, we now, as artists, must ensure that we localize the stories and translate them to our local language. Women from the grassroots must be able to listen and also relate to these stories.” said the Filmmaker.

Her statement poignantly highlights a critical gap in how stories are shared and received in Eswatini, a nation where the voices of women, particularly those in rural communities, have historically been marginalized or ignored. 

In a society deeply rooted in patriarchal norms, where cultural and institutional barriers continue to impede gender equality, storytelling transcends mere expression; it becomes a vital instrument for healing, empowerment, and profound social change. 

Radical listening, therefore, is not just an act of hearing, but a powerful call to action.