Africa's female stand up comedians are breaking barriers

Germaine Ololo is a trailblazing Congolese comedian who fearlessly tackles taboo issues through her comedy. 

With each joke she tells on stage, she raises awareness on important topics such as forced marriage, violence against women, and the challenges faced by widows in society. 

Ololo is not just a comedian; she is also a mentor to younger comedians, welcoming them to the headquarters of the Fief, which stands for the International Festival of Women's Speech. 

Together, they collaborate on workshops and shows that promote women's empowerment in the arts and culture.

Ololo believes that art is a powerful tool for delivering important messages. 

She states, "That's what art is all about, enriching ordinary language to convey a message. I think that public speaking today, whether through storytelling, slam poetry, or stand-up comedy, should be used as tools for education."

Stand-up comedy is gaining popularity across the continent, and more women comedians are emerging every day.

African comedians like Ivorian Prissy la degammeuse are becoming sources of inspiration for young women. 

Prissy recently participated in the Women Stand Up festival in Pointe Noire, where she left a lasting impact on the audience. 

One spectator expressed their joy at being able to witness Prissy's performance, stating, "I am so happy. I was able to get on stage today and even talk a bit to Prissy."

Alex Cadi, another comedian, explains why she loves stand-up comedy, saying, "I like it because through it, I can share my thoughts, my vision." 

The theme for the 2024 International Women's Day, "Invest in women: Accelerate progress," has been well-received by Congolese civil society groups. 

They are calling for greater support for initiatives led by actresses in the cultural field to contribute to women's empowerment.

Germaine Ololo and her fellow comedians are using their platform to not only entertain but also educate and empower women.