Cape Verde students use music to combat gender-based violence
A new competition in Praia encourages secondary school students to create songs about respect and equality.
The Fundação de Religiosos para a Saúde (FRS) launched a music competition in Praia on November 25, targeting secondary school students. This initiative, funded by Spanish Cooperation, uses music to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and promote respect. Students can use existing instrumentals, create their own with AI, or perform a cappella.
Victoria Seoane, FRS coordinator, stated that the competition aims to directly involve students in reflecting on GBV through their own compositions. She explained that music has always been a tool to connect with young people and raise awareness. The contest also seeks to encourage youth leadership and foster new masculinities, promoting equal relationships.
Prizes for the competition include a laptop, studio recording time, and a music video for the first-place winner, with a phone and tablet for the second and third places respectively. A special award will be given for the best lyrics. This project, developed with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Family, is a pilot in Praia with potential future expansion.
Why it mattersSecondary school students in Praia are directly involved in creating music to address and prevent gender-based violence, with prizes and artistic support offered.