Deadline: October 31, 2025
Are you a passionate spoken word artist using your voice to advocate for justice, equality, and freedom? The African Human Rights Spoken Word Contest 2025 invites poets and activists from around the world to creatively address human rights issues in Africa through spoken word poetry.
Organized by the African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), this annual contest provides a global stage for poets to speak up for human rights and inspire social change. Winners will not only receive cash prizes but also gain international recognition, with their works showcased at a major global event in New York City.
About the African Human Rights Spoken Word Contest 2025
The African Human Rights Spoken Word Contest 2025 aims to highlight the power of art as a tool for advocacy and transformation. Through poetry and spoken word performance, artists are encouraged to amplify critical human rights issues affecting Africa and inspire global awareness and action.
Eligibility Criteria
The contest is open to participants from anywhere in the world, as long as their submitted piece focuses on human rights issues in Africa.
Participants must submit:
- A one-minute video of themselves performing an original spoken word poem addressing one or more of the listed human rights themes.
- The video must be at least 20MB in size.
Group submissions are not specified, so entrants are encouraged to submit as individuals.
Themes for Submission
Participants may choose to explore any of the following human rights issues in Africa:
- Freedom of expression
- Government violations
- Police brutality
- Corruption
- Forced eviction
- Terrorism
- Gender inequality
- LGBT rights
- Child labour
- Child marriage
- Domestic violence
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Discrimination
- Child trafficking
These themes represent ongoing human rights challenges that require urgent global attention and action.
Prizes and Recognition
Winners of the African Human Rights Spoken Word Contest 2025 will receive both monetary rewards and global recognition.
Prizes include:
- 🥇 1st Prize: $100
- 🥈 2nd Prize: $75
- 🥉 3rd Prize: $50
- 🏅 Five Honourable Mentions
Additional Benefits:
- All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
- Shortlisted entries will be awarded a Certificate of Excellence.
- Winning works will be showcased at the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) in New York City, taking place December 8 – 14, 2025.
Deadline
🗓️ Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
Entries submitted after this date will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit early.
How to Apply
To participate in the African Human Rights Spoken Word Contest 2025, follow the steps below:
- Record a one-minute video of your original spoken word poem on any of the listed human rights themes.
- Ensure your video file is at least 20 MB in size.
- Email your entry to the contest organizers (email provided on the official page) with the subject line:
“AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORD CONTEST.”
Organizer
The contest is organized by the African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) — an initiative dedicated to promoting human rights through artistic expression and creative activism.
Why You Should Apply
This contest is an incredible opportunity for spoken word artists to:
- Share their voices on pressing human rights issues in Africa.
- Gain international exposure and recognition.
- Be part of a global movement for justice and equality.
- Have their work showcased on an international stage in New York.
Whether you’re an emerging poet or a seasoned performer, this platform amplifies your voice for change.
Important Links
👉 Read more about the programme here
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
