By Iminza Keboge
Published May 21, 2018
A writing contest for young women invites original works of poetry in the Somali language.
The annual BBC News Somali Young Female Poet of the Year Award, that began in 2017 as part of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the BBC Somali service, targets women aged 16 to 35 years.
Saying “Somali women’s creativity – be it in traditional dances or use of language – is widely acclaimed,” Abdullahi Abdi Sheikh, Editor of BBC News Somali, says “This BBC award is bringing to light the culture of poetry among Somali-speaking women, wherever they are, providing them with an avenue to showcase their talent and creativity.”
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Sheikh says a ‘panel of judges will select one winner and two runners-up, taking into account the theme of the poem, the quality of the language and adherence to the traditional rules of rhyme and rhythm in Somali poetry.’
BBC says ‘entries must not be longer than 15 lines in writing and one minute of recording’ and that the closing date for entry to this year’s contest is June 15, 2018 at 23.59 GMT.
Entries can be submitted by email to tartanka.gabayga@bbc.co.uk or via bbc.lvis.io/bbcsyfp/ website that also carries the details of how to enter, including the terms and conditions of participation.
The winner of the BBC News Somali Young Female Poet of the Year Award 2018 and two runners-up will be announced at a special event in Garowe, Somalia, on July 18, 2018. The winning poem will be broadcast by BBC News Somali, and its author will be awarded £600. Second and third runners-up will receive £500 and £400, respectively.
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Deeqa Nouh Yonis, a student from Hargeisa, won the inaugural BBC News Somali Young Female Poet of the Year Award in 2017.
Rachael Akidi Okwir, Head of BBC World Service East Africa Languages, says, “This award will help us discover new, promising voices of young Somali female poetic talent. The BBC is committed to reaching out to female audiences. With its content for and about women, BBC News Somali is in the forefront of these efforts.”
BBC says its BBC News Somali reaches a weekly audience of around four million people in East Africa, the Horn of Africa and around the world via radio, TV, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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