Event Background:
On May 26, 2024, the Pre-Peacejam 2024 Mini Festival took place at the Nifas Silk Lafto, Woreda 3 Youth Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This event, themed “Amplifying Marginalized Voices for Inclusive Peacebuilding,” aimed to create an inclusive space where marginalized voices were amplified, fostering dialogue, understanding, and actionable steps towards peacebuilding. Organized by #defyhatenow and Ethiopia Skate, the event brought together representatives from marginalized groups, peacebuilders, community leaders, the general public, invited guests from #defyhatenow Ethiopia, partners, and the Ethiopian Skate Community.
Event Activities:
The event commenced with an opening session introducing the missions and objectives of #defyhatenow and Ethiopia Skate, emphasizing peacebuilding, inclusivity, and community engagement. Interactive activities such as icebreakers and speed networking sessions encouraged interaction and networking among attendees, fostering a sense of community and belonging. A poetry session kicked off the festival, inspiring reflection on peacebuilding, inclusivity, and community engagement, with a focus on the crucial role of youth voices in driving social change. A panel discussion engaged participants in topics such as inclusivity, breaking societal barriers, social media usage, and community building, featuring speakers from marginalized communities, peacebuilders, and diverse backgrounds. The highlight of the event was a captivating performance by the Masinko player, who infused his rhythms and versions of poems and music with messages of peacebuilding, community empowerment, and humor, much to the delight of the audience.
Audience Feedback:
Feedback from attendees highlighted the event’s success in creating an inclusive and empowering environment. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to network, engage in meaningful dialogue, and participate in interactive activities. The provision of accommodations for individuals with disabilities, such as sign language interpretation, was commended, ensuring accessibility for all participants. Participants expressed gratitude for the platform provided to amplify marginalized voices and explore actionable steps towards peacebuilding.
Attendance:
The event attracted a total of 52 participants, with 43 female attendees and 9 male attendees. Additionally, attendees from outside of Addis Ababa, such as Adama in the Oromia region, demonstrated a keen interest in the event’s objectives and activities.
Additionally, participants were encouraged to share their experiences and insights on social media using hashtags such as #PeaceForAction, #InclusivePeacebuilding, and #defyhatenow,