On August 31, 2024, the Ntha Foundation proudly attended the “Set It Off” Women Empowerment event at LUANAR – Bunda Campus. Under the inspiring theme “Accelerate Progress – Women Are Not Muses,” this pre-festival gathering, organized by Lake of Stars with support from the UK in Malawi and GREAT Britain, focused on celebrating and investing in women creatives.
About “Set it off”
Set It Off – Women in the Arts was a one-day festival designed and produced by Lake of Stars in January 2018. It provided a groundbreaking platform for women in the arts in Malawi, showcasing poetry, theatre, comedy, and music. Every performance included at least one female artist in a leading role. Behind the scenes, the event crew also included female representation across all teams, from sound and lighting to security and production. The event took place at Malawi’s Chancellor College in Zomba and was created in partnership with HIVOS and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
Event Highlights
Morning Session: Auditorium
The morning session began with arrival and registration from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by opening remarks from Olympia Wereko Brobby, the Acting British High Commissioner. Tiya, a talented poet, then captivated the audience with a powerful poetry performance. The session continued with a panel discussion on “The Currency of Women-Owned Creative Businesses,” exploring the challenges and opportunities in the industry. A workshop on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) provided valuable insights and strategies for addressing this critical issue. The morning concluded with another panel discussion on “Women in the Creative Industry / Sisterhood and Solidarity,” featuring voices from the Young Feminist Network.
Afternoon Session: Main Hall
The afternoon was filled with vibrant performances by various artists. Tayamika kicked off the session, followed by Kim of Diamonds and Tamba Africa, each bringing their unique style and energy to the stage. Hazel Mak’s performance was a highlight, captivating the audience with her powerful voice. DTK Afro Ovina and Daughters Band continued to energize the crowd, showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of women artists. Izingwe and Temwah followed, each leaving a lasting impression with their performances. The event concluded with a lively set by DJ Bubblegum, ensuring the day ended on a high note.
Key Takeaways
- Women as Artists and Leaders: The event reinforced the message that women are not just muses but are artists, CEOs, engineers, and leaders. It was a powerful reminder of the diverse roles women play in society and the importance of recognizing and supporting their contributions.
- Community and Support: The festival highlighted the strength of community and the importance of supporting one another. It was a space where women could connect, share their stories, and inspire each other.
- Future Prospects: The discussions and interactions at the event pointed towards a brighter future where women are given equal opportunities to excel and lead. The event was a testament to the progress being made and the work that still needs to be done.
Conclusion
Attending the “Set It Off” event was a truly enriching experience for the Ntha Foundation. It brought together women from various backgrounds to celebrate their achievements and discuss ways to further accelerate progress. We were inspired by the commitment to empowering women and look forward to more such events that continue to drive change.
Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to invest in women, for they are not just muses but the artists and leaders of our world.
#SetitOff #SeeThingsDifferently #UKMalawi #LakeofStars
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Want to partner on or fund one of our programmes / initiatives? We are always open to collaborations and partnerships. Contact our Business Development Associate; Ms. Abigail Zingani via contact@kwathucentre.org, or give us a call(direct or WhatsApp) on +265991850749.
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