Spoken word poets #ChooseToChallenge
February 15, 2021
Spoken word poets deliver important messages that help raise awareness and influence positive change.
For International Women's Day 2021, spoken word poets around the world are coming together to share their thoughts and creativity to support the IWD #ChooseToChallenge theme. We celebrate these spoken word artists and their communities and hope that their inspirational work is widely shared, credited, and enjoyed.
Show solidarity for International Women's Day and create your own #ChooseToChallenge spoken word poem and share it on social media using the hashtags: #IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge #IWDpoetry - and feel free to send in your spoken word creation for potential inclusion on the IWD website and social media channels.
To kick off the call-out to spoken word poets worldwide, hear inspiring #ChooseToChallenge creations from two impressive spoken word poets below.
Anisa Nandaula is choosing to challenge
Anisa Nandaula is a spoken word poet, play writer, educator and published author who uses her voice to articulate her thoughts on social justice. Her poetry explores issues of race, feminism and politics - while she educates and engages people to have difficult and challenging conversations.
"Everything I say and do comes directly from my heart and soul because that is the only way I can truly express. I developed this by getting to know myself, the things I care about and allowing this to drive me," says Anisa.
"Your vision and goal are not for other people’s eyes to see, because they aren’t meant for them. So, when people put them down or tell them their dreams aren't realistic, they listen to lips whose ears have never heard the call to greatness."
Aminah Rahman is choosing to challenge
Aminah Rahman is a 17 year-old award-winning published poet and spoken word artist born and raised in Cambridge, UK. She is a third- generation British-Bangladeshi with over 60 years of family history in Cambridge. She has been writing poetry since she was eight years old. Most of her poetry focuses on fighting racism and celebrating the diversity of individuals. Poetry has enabled her to learn about the world around her and understand herself as an individual.
"Poetry can be a powerful mechanism for change. For me, it is the heartbeat for change. It helps me to understand and appreciate the way the world is today. Poetry is a form of expression that helps me to process my thoughts and feelings. Writing and reading poetry helps me to see things from a different perspective. Words are the best reflections," says Aminah.
Sharena Lee Satti is choosing to challenge
Sharena Lee Satti is an independent spoken word artist, author and workshop facilitator who writes with her emotions to the fore, her heart at the centre, and a power that can leave peopple breathless.
"My poems are real, raw and honest - addressing issues like survival, cultural-identity, life's battles, self-love, body dysmorphia and many subjects people struggle to speak out about," says Shenara.
Shiyen Lee Chee is choosing to challenge
Shiyen Lee Chee supports Soroptimist International in San Fernando, Trinidad and presents the poem "Choose To Challenge" by Eva-Dawn Sankar and Sandra Diefftenthaler.
Purnima Ghogar is choosing to challenge
TEDx speaker, author, educator and visual artist, Purnima Ghogar's poetry explores themes of love, loss, mental health, healing, identity, belonging and women’s empowerment. She creates and weaves words inspired by the universe, creativity, hybridity, diaspora, nature, feelings, the light and dark. "When performing, I breathe the power of words, which affirms its ability to empower, change and provoke," says Purnima.
Dee is choosing to challenge
"I'm surrounded surrounded by strong women, women who despite their struggle are driven and persevere, mothering children and looking after the home, yet we strive to excel to be at the top of our game. I ask whose world is it all around me. I'm surrounded, surrounded by strong women, women who choose to challenge," performs Dee.
Spoken word poet, Amanda Gorman, is a true inspiration
And, from the power of performance through words of wisdom, we reflect on that moment when our spirits were ignited across the world by the stirring call from Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman who delivered her poem 'The Hill We Climb' at President Joe Biden's inauguration. An American poet and activist, Amanda Gorman's work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization.
The power of the spoken word is phenomenal and it provides a powerful way to amplify and reinforce key messages. Inspired by Amanda Gorman's powerful talent and wisdom? Why not unleash your spirit and create your own #ChooseToChallenge poem?
Share your IWD spoken word message
So what's your #ChooseToChallenge spoken word message for International Women's Day 2021? From novices to professional poets - regardless of the gender you identify with - post your spoken word poem to social media using the hashtags: #IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge #IWDpoetry - additionally, feel free to send in your creation directly.
The world awaits your voice!