As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, AICS Havana has launched the campaign “Decime for Nonviolence”, an innovative initiative aimed at raising awareness about the urgency of eradicating all forms of gender-based violence. This campaign, which began on November 25th to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, stands out for its unique involvement of young Cuban poets, known as repentistas. Using the traditional poetic form of the decima, they deliver powerful messages rejecting violence.
The decima, a culturally significant format in Cuba, is an effective medium to engage with diverse societal groups, especially younger generations. Renowned for their improvisational skills, the repentistas use their art to promote awareness, educate, and advocate for respect, equality, and the rejection of violence in all its forms. Every day of the campaign, AICS features a new decima to provoke reflection, challenge norms, and inspire collective action.
During these 16 days, the young poets have shared their messages across various platforms, including social media and local media outlets such as radio and television. The decimas, rich in poetic strength and social critique, serve as a potent tool to spotlight the issue and motivate active participation in combating gender-based violence.
The campaign represents not only a demonstration of creativity and social commitment but also a call for unity and collective reflection on the urgent need to build a society free from violence—one where the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender, are respected. By leveraging art and words as agents of change, this initiative envisions a better future, free from gender-based violence.
This campaign also fostered collaboration between Havana’s AICS office and groups of young repentistas.
The Campaign’s Structure
First Phase:
The initial phase of the campaign featured decimas written by journalist and writer Rodolfo Romero Reyes, paired with the creative direction of theater expert and video director Isabel Cristina Lopez Hamze. The professional production team, guided by gender specialist Clotilde Proveyer, included renowned Cuban actresses whose performances conveyed the silent struggles of countless women. These stories, told through the faces, hands, and movements of three women, give voice to untold narratives. Video clips from this phase are available on AICS Havana’s social media channels, with a full subtitled version on the agency’s YouTube channel.
Second Phase:
The second phase was co-created with the young artists from Oralitura Habana, who showcased remarkable talent and ability to communicate powerful messages through the decima. Using their personal phones and appearing on camera themselves, these poets delivered authentic and impactful performances. Videos from this phase are featured in the Reel section of AICS Havana’s Facebook page.
Through the fusion of tradition and innovation, “Decime for Nonviolence” highlights the transformative power of art and dialogue in advocating for a society free from gender-based violence.