Congo : Female Stand-Up comedy breaks taboos
A scene on forced marriage, another on the conditions of widows or violence against women—Germaine Ololo uses humor and self-deprecation inherent to stand-up comedy to tackle taboo subjects.
Every week, she hosts female comedians at the headquarters of her International Women’s Expression Festival to prepare workshops and shows, but also to reflect on the empowerment of women in the cultural sector.
« Art is about filling ordinary language to convey a message, and I believe that oral art today, whether it’s storytelling, slam poetry, or stand-up comedy, all these arts should be means of expression to try to educate and guide », explains Germaine Ololo, comedian and promoter of the FIEF.
Stand-up comedy, this theatrical form of comedic monologue, is gaining popularity among women in Africa.
Numerous stars of the African scene have become real role models for young women, as seen here with Ivorian « Priscille la degameuse », invited to Pointe Noire in Congo for a Stand-up Comedy FOR WOMEN.
« I am very happy, I am moved, I am even trembling. Today I went on stage, I even chatted a little with Priscille ».
The theme of International Women’s Rights Day this year comes at a timely moment, according to civil society actors, to support initiatives by women in the cultural sector to contribute to women’s empowerment.
Source : africanews.
