Culture

X-Maleya announces short film to raise awareness on rights abuse, GBV.

by Mercy Fosoh
18 Dec 2025 12:36
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X-Maleya talking to reporters shortly after receiving their award

Renowned Cameroonian music group, X-Maleya, has announced plans to release a short film aimed at raising awareness about rights abuse and Gender-based Violence, GBV.
The announcement was made in Yaounde on December 10, shortly after the group received the Human Rights Defenders Awards from the High Commission of Canada in Cameroon.

The award ceremony recognised outstanding human rights defenders working to promote protection and inclusion for vulnerable groups. X-Maleya was honoured for using music, art and youth engagement to raise awareness on gender-based violence and to reach young people across the country.

Through the X-Maleya Foundation, the group works via creative platforms to promote messages on protection, inclusion and support, particularly for children, women and at-risk youth.

Speaking to reporters after receiving the award, members of X-Maleya reaffirmed their commitment to continuing advocacy work on human rights and gender-based violence.

They reiterated their support for survivors of abuse and said they would continue to use their public platforms to engage young people on issues affecting their safety and wellbeing.

During the same interaction with the media, the group announced the completion of a short film based on a true story. According to X-Maleya, the film draws inspiration from one of their songs titled ‘Ta fille n’est pas ta femme’, which roughly translates as Your daughter is not your wife.

The song and the film are centred on a real-life case involving a young girl who was sent from her village to Yaounde to live with a relative in order to continue her studies, and who later became a victim of abuse.

The group said the story on which the film is based dates back about six years. They explained that the purpose of adapting the story into a short film is to further raise awareness about gender-based violence and the risks faced by young people, especially girls, within family and social settings.

According to X-Maleya, the short film has already been completed, although there is no official release date yet. They disclosed plans to roll out a nationwide awareness campaign in 2026, during which the film will be screened in universities and other public spaces.

These screenings will be accompanied by specialists who will engage audiences, answer questions and lead discussions on gender-based violence. “We are committed to everything that concerns the child and the woman,” the group said.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3657 of Tuesday December 16, 2025