Afghan Women Solidarity Concert and Fringe Programme
(To end oppression and violence against women and girls)
Press release 31 January 2025
Afghan rapper and activist, Sonita Alizadeh, announced in line up for special Belfast concert to end oppression and violence against women and girls in solidarity with Afghan women.
On International Women’s Day 8th March, Belfast will host the Afghan Women Solidarity Concert. A fringe programme of events surrounding the concert will include events with schools, youth organisations, businesses and women in music with the theme of ending violence against women and girls.
“Silence is the enemy of change. We must speak up, even when it’s dangerous. I thank the people of Belfast to be the leading light to ensure every girl has the right to choose her own future, free from violence and oppression. Let's sing to wake up the world.” - Sonita Alizadeh
Sonita Alizadeh was sold into child marriage at the age of 10 and escaped at the age of 16 when her viral music video, ‘Daughters for Sale’, helped her secure a scholarship to study in the United States. Through her music and advocacy work, Sonita has campaigned for women’s rights and against child marriage. She has received the MTV Europe Music Generation Change Award and the BBC 100 Women award. A feature film ‘Sonita’ was released in premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the festival's World Documentary Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. Sonita, who learned English upon coming to the U.S., graduated from Bard College in 2023. She is preparing to pursue a master’s degree in politics at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar in 2025.
Sonita will join a line-up of musicians (to be announced), who will perform with members of the Ulster Orchestra for two shows at the Orchestra’s new home on Townsend Street.
Right now music is banned by the regime in Afghanistan. Girls are not allowed to go to school and women have no rights, not even the right to speak in public. Violence against women and girls is encouraged by the regime and child girls for sale for marriage is a growing industry. Belfast was awarded UNESCO City of Music status three months after the Taliban took control of Kabul and banned music.
The concert and fringe programme is supported by a consortium of businesses, foundations, individual donors and agencies. Full list released later in February.
The concert will have two, one-hour shows at 4pm and 7pm on 8th March following on from the Belfast International Women’s Day rally organised by Reclaim the Agenda.
Further announcements to follow in the lead up to the concert including guest musicians and details about ticketing.
ENDS//…
For more information contact:
Jasleen.beyondskin@gmail.com or info.beyondskin@gmail.com
