World of Words is a Poetry powerhouse that started in 2017 with aims of creating a safe space for people to engage in positive energy, a platform to showcase their arts and crafts. Since inception every year we always made it our mission to celebrate Women one way we do this is through our WoWomen campaign/challenge where we encourage men to wear headwraps (Doeks). It is a way to celebrate all the women who have carried the world on their backs and continue to do so. However, wearing doeks and posting does not change the harsh realities women face in this country.

The aim of the challenge is to enable conversations that will lead to men acknowledging that there is a trend of toxic masculinity raving the country and they have a hand in it. We want men to commit to unlearning silence and compliance when it comes to Gender-Based Violence.

By examining what it means to be a man in South Africa.

Last year we had a dialogue at the World of Words session, and we shared a pledge (See Below). The pledge is a constant work in progress, and we invite everyone to come help shape it. Change begins with us, here and now. Pledge is for the World, written by Belita Andre and Thuthukani Myeza.

The Pledge:

“We pledge these bodies to the revolution.

To a world where no women fears breathing.

We pledge ourselves as safe spaces.

As examples to the next generation.

Here and now we begin unlearning toxic masculinity

We remove the shackles of patriarchy.

We pledge to be better men and even greater human beings.

Together we reform the path of our ancestors.

We pledge to take responsibility for our healing.

For the scars that wound our nation

We pledge these bodies to the revolution

We pledge to honor and protect all women.

To always be a pillar to the catalyst for change.

We pledge our presence as a safe space

One we actively create

To respect ourselves as the treasures we are.

And so remain protectors, for every waking moment of eternity.”

We would love to challenge everyone to take the pledge by uploading a picture/video quoting a line from the pledge and tagging @wowpoetry247 & @visitconhill