Senegal Art Scene: Female graffiti artist promotes women's rights in Dakar

World
Europe

02:20

In Senegal, a graffiti artist is making a name for herself -- and not just because she's a woman in a male-dominated field. Dieynaba Sidibe is using her talent to promote women's rights in a country where gender equality is still a struggle. CGTN's Thuli Tshabalala explains.

Senegal's First Female Graffiti Artist 20/5 Dieynaba Sidibe is widely acknowledged as Senegal's first female graffiti artist. Her work promotes women's rights, peace and social cohesion. It all started here, 10 years ago.

DIEYNABA SIDIBE GRAFFITI ARTIST ''I started graffiti when I was a teenager. I had a passion for drawing and painting. Then I learnt about graffiti from a TV documentary. As I was already an artist, I thought it would be good to use graffiti in my work. It offers me the space to better express myself.''

Initially, Sidibe didn't have much support from her family -- her parents wanted her to become a doctor. But the young woman's passion and determination changed their minds. Sidibe even found herself a mentor.

MATADOR MENTOR "She is the first female student I had. I saw her drawing on a wall -- It was the first time I'd seen a girl doing graffiti. I found it very interesting, so I decided to coach her. Now she has developed her own style and her work is all over Dakar. I am really proud of her."

And that work is creating a stir. Sidibe uses her art in campaigns across the country.

DIEYNABA SIDIBE GRAFFITI ARTIST "I got involved in slam music. I started writing from an early age. My work talks about many things -- from love to the environment or even politics. I work with other artists and our goal is to send out positive messages."

Sidibe hopes her work will help change people's views of women's role in society. And show other young women that they can achieve anything they set their heart on. Thuli Tshabalala, CGTN.