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The Maru-A-Pula Project

The Maru-a-pula Project is a transformative, art-based initiative designed to engage communities in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Rooted in the power of creative expression, this project uses Forum Theatre and other creative play methodologies to promote awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action within communities. The name Maru-a-pula, derived from the African philosophy of communal unity and strength, reflects our belief in collective efforts to address societal challenges like GBV.

Empowering Communities through Creative Expression
At the heart of the Maru-a-pula Project is the belief that art—whether in the form of theatre, dance, music, or visual art—can be a powerful catalyst for change. By involving participants in the creation of performances and community dialogue, the project provides a platform for open discussions around sensitive issues like GBV, sexual violence, and gender equality. Through Forum Theatre, participants are encouraged to step into the shoes of different characters, including victims, perpetrators, and community members, allowing them to critically examine behaviors, societal norms, and power dynamics. This process not only deepens empathy but also equips participants with practical tools to challenge and dismantle GBV in their own communities.
The Power of Participation
The Maru-a-pula Project takes a participatory approach, where local community members, including women, adolescent girls, men, and boys, are directly involved in creating and performing the interventions. This fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, enabling individuals to engage meaningfully with the issue and contribute toward long-lasting change. By actively involving participants in the design and delivery of performances, the project also strengthens their ability to identify, address, and prevent GBV in their daily lives.
Key Objectives:
  • Raise awareness about the damaging impact of GBV and the need for community action.
  • Promote dialogue on sensitive gender issues in a safe, non-judgmental space.
  • Empower individuals, particularly women and girls, to identify and report GBV.
  • Equip communities with the skills and knowledge to prevent, address, and respond to GBV.
  • Support survivors by creating a space for healing and providing access to crucial support services, such as legal aid, healthcare, and psychosocial support.
How It Works

The Maru-a-pula Project operates through a multi-phase process:

  • Training: Local participants are trained in creative techniques, including Forum Theatre, to help them better understand and address GBV.
  • Co-Creation: Participants collaborate to create a 20-minute performance that tackles key issues related to GBV, such as consent, power dynamics, and gender equality.
  • Community Engagement: The performance is then presented to the local community, followed by facilitated discussions that encourage reflection and action.
  • Follow-Up: The project offers continued support for communities, ensuring that the conversation around GBV persists beyond the performance.
Why It Works

Creative interventions like the Maru-a-pula Project have proven to be effective because they:

  • Foster open, honest discussions in spaces that might otherwise be taboo.
  • Allow participants to explore complex issues through a non-threatening, engaging medium.
  • Inspire behavioral change by showing practical ways to challenge harmful gender norms and practices.
  • Build community solidarity and collective responsibility to end GBV.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The Maru-a-pula Project is not just about raising awareness—it's about empowering communities to take meaningful action against GBV. We believe that every community has the potential to heal, grow, and actively participate in creating a safer, more equitable society for all. By harnessing the power of creative expression, the Maru-a-pula Project is helping to change mindsets, shift narratives, and create sustainable, community-driven solutions to one of the most pervasive issues facing the world today: Gender-Based Violence.
Together, we can build stronger communities that thrive on respect, equality, and solidarity.

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