Set it Off | CELEBRATING WOMEN IN ARTS

On August 31, 2024, the Kwathu Kollective 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.

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

• A Celebration of Shared Values: Attending the “Set It Off” event was a profound experience for Kwathu Kollective. It celebrated our core values—empowerment, creativity, and community. Seeing talented women share their art and stories was both inspiring and affirming, reinforcing the importance of providing platforms for women to shine.
• Strengthening Our Mission: The event highlighted the progress in the creative industry and the work still needed. It was valuable to see initiatives that align with our mission, providing new insights and strategies to further empower women and promote gender equality.
• Building Connections: Networking with like-minded individuals and organizations was invaluable. These connections are crucial for expanding our reach and enhancing our impact.
• Learning and Growing: The workshops and panel discussions, provided deeper understanding and practical tools for our initiatives.
• Inspiration and Motivation: The energy and passion of the artists and speakers were incredibly motivating. Witnessing the resilience and creativity of women in the arts reminded us of our role in a larger movement towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Conclusion

Attending the “Set It Off” event was a truly enriching experience for the Kwathu Kollective. 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 #KwathuKollective