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Published on 2024-03-18 06:00:56
Afriq Divas All-girls Dance Crew, founded by Ndey Fatou Jabang in 2013, has been making remarkable strides in challenging stereotypes towards female dancers, promoting dance as a career, and creating employment opportunities for young women in the dance sector in The Gambia. Over the past decade, the organization has become The Gambia’s first all-girls leading dance team and has played a pivotal role in establishing The Gambia’s first Dance Company and School, Flex Fuzion Entertainment, and Dance Academy. They have trained over 500 young people in performing arts skills and entrepreneurship through the project “Strengthening Women’s Rights in the Dance Sector”.
In the Gambian context, women in the performing arts sector, especially in dance, have faced significant challenges such as lack of gender equality, capacity-building training, and a comprehensive understanding of fundamental human rights. Ndey Fatou Jabang believes that these obstacles are hindering the development of women in the dance industry. To address these challenges, Afriq Divas has an upcoming project that aims to empower female artists in the dance sector by providing them with a profound understanding of their rights, including protection against sexual harassment, right against exploitation, and the right to equal opportunities.
In March 2024, Afriq Divas celebrated their 10th-year anniversary with a certification ceremony and commemoration at the Ebunjan Theatre, which was attended by the US Ambassador. During the celebration, a three-day training on human rights and women’s rights was conducted for 30 women in the dance sector, funded by the African Cultural Fund.
The impact of Afriq Divas goes beyond just dance performances. They are actively working to break barriers for female dancers in The Gambia and empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry. By providing training on human rights and women’s rights, they are ensuring that female artists in the dance sector are equipped to navigate challenges and advocate for their rights.
As the first all-girls leading dance team in The Gambia, Afriq Divas is setting a precedent for female dancers and challenging societal norms. Through their dedication to promoting dance as a career and creating employment opportunities for young women, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and gender-equal dance industry in The Gambia.
Overall, Afriq Divas All-girls Dance Crew is breaking barriers and making a positive impact in The Gambia’s dance sector. Through their initiatives and projects, they are empowering women, challenging stereotypes, and creating a more equitable and supportive environment for female dancers to thrive.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
