By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The European Union (EU) Delegation to Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts, has launched a national music competition aimed at amplifying efforts to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women and girls. The launch took place on Friday, 3rd October 2025, at the Ballanta Academy Auditorium on Liverpool Street in Freetown under the theme: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
The initiative, which precedes the annual global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence observed from November 25 to December 10, seeks to use music as a platform to raise awareness, stimulate public dialogue and mobilize communities against all forms of abuse, especially those emerging in the digital space.
Speaking at the ceremony, EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jacek Jankowski, emphasized that Gender-Based Violence remains a major human rights challenge, worsened by new forms of abuse in the digital era. He cited global research showing that more than half of women and girls have experienced some form of online harassment, including cyberstalking, image-based abuse and digital threats. Such violations, he said, not only infringe upon their rights but also deter their participation in public life and leadership, weakening democratic inclusivity.
Ambassador Jacek Jankowski reiterated the EU’s longstanding commitment to combating GBV through partnerships such as the Spotlight Initiative, a joint program with the United Nations that focuses on prevention, protection, survivor support and policy reform. He noted that tackling GBV requires strengthening legal frameworks, mobilizing communities to challenge harmful gender norms and empowering both women and men to act as allies for change.
He explained that the decision to launch a music competition stemmed from the transformative power of art and music to inspire change and unite people around shared causes. The competition, he said, will help raise public awareness on GBV, particularly among youth, and encourage creative expression as a means of advocacy.
According to the Ambassador, eight finalists will be selected for mentorship and training under the guidance of a European music instructor. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of SLE 30,000, SLE 20,000 and SLE 10,000 respectively, along with full certificate courses and opportunities for studio recording. The remaining five finalists will each receive a consolation prize of SLE 1,000.
Dr. Julius Spencer, Chairman of Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts, commended the EU for supporting an initiative that merges creativity with social responsibility. He observed that while Sierra Leone has made progress in addressing Gender-Based Violence through laws and advocacy, the prevalence of digital abuse remains alarming. He underscored that young people are central to driving the cultural and behavioral changes needed to build a more respectful and equal society.
Dr. Julius Spencer highlighted that the competition targets Sierra Leoneans aged 18 to 35, describing it as an opportunity for youths to use their talents to promote gender equality and safer online spaces. He expressed optimism that the program would evolve into an annual campaign and eventually include other art forms such as dance and drama.
Competition Coordinator, Leslie Cummings-Wray, explained that the project will unfold in four stages, starting with a public awareness campaign followed by the call for submissions, selection of finalists and the grand finale scheduled for December 12, 2025, at the Freetown City Council Auditorium. He encouraged artists, songwriters and groups nationwide to participate stressing that submissions must feature original songs focused on Gender-Based Violence.
Interested participants are required to submit a three-minute video performance of their original composition via the online registration form between October 5 and 31, 2025. The competition is open to Sierra Leoneans residing in the country aged between 18 and 35.
Further information and updates can be accessed through the EU Delegation’s social media platforms; Facebook (@EUinSierraLeone), WhatsApp (EUnaSalone) and X (@EUinSierraLeone) as well as Ballanta Academy’s pages on Facebook, Instagram and X.
The music competition is expected to culminate in a live concert where the winning songs will be recorded and shared widely to serve as educational tools against Gender-Based Violence, reinforcing the global call to Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.
