Two Weeks Left to Submit your entry to the 2008 POWA Women's Writing Competition!

The 2008 POWA Women's Writing Competition accepts entries from women and girl children living in South Africa in the three categories of poetry, personal essays and short stories. The competition accepts entries in all official languages of South Africa . The theme for this year competition is:

Journeys to Recovery

Survivors of violence are often forced to flee - emotionally and geographically - from sites of violence. Women cross vast emotional and geographical borders in order to flee from violence to find a place of safety. This year, POWA is calling for entries in the three categories of poetry, short stories and personal essays that describe the transformation of the flight from violence into a journey of healing.

Told from a survivor's perspective, the submissions should paint the reader a textured emotional picture of the highs and lows, and the inconsistencies of the struggle to put themselves together again as they battle to find their centre, and reclaim their space in the world.

This year's entry form has been attached to this email and is also available on the POWA website (www.powa.co.za).

The closing date for entries is 12 noon, Friday 22 August 2008.

Cash prizes will again be awarded to the top three entries in each category.

For more information on the Women's Writing Competition contact:

Nehwoh Belinda

People Opposing Women Abuse

Tel: 011 642 4345/6

E-mail: Nehwoh @powa.co.za

POWA is a not for profit organisation that works towards the eradication of violence against women and the empowerment of women. POWA provides direct services to women survivors of gender-based violence in the form of counselling, legal advice, shelter, court support and preparation. POWA also engages in lobbying, advocacy, research and training and development on issues relating to violence against women.