By Iminza Keboge
Published May 28, 2019
BBC invites entries from Somali-speaking female poets for its 3rd BBC News Somali Young Female Poet of the Year award.
Saying no previous experience is required, BBC says it welcomes original works of poetry in the Somali language from women aged 16 – 35 years.
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The winner and two runners up, who will all receive a cash prize, BBC says, will be announced at a special event in Djibouti on July 18, 2019. The winning poem will be broadcast on BBC News Somali radio and digital platforms.
Entries must not be longer than 15 lines in writing and one minute of recording. The closing date for entry is June 15, 2019 at 23.59 GMT
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Submissions can be sent to tartanka.gabayga@bbc.co.uk or via the BBC News Somali website. Full details of how to enter including the full terms and conditions and privacy notice are available at the BBC News Somali website.
Abdullahi Abdi Sheikh, Editor of BBC News Somali, says: “Since we started this award, we have seen many Somali women showcasing their poetic talents, which is the very reason it was established – to offer an avenue to express their talent and creativity.”
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Rachael Akidi Okwir, BBC Head of East Africa Languages, says, “This award has previously helped us discover unique voices of young Somali female poets. The BBC continues to be committed to reaching out to young female audiences, and BBC News Somali has been at the forefront of these efforts.”
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