The all women Set It Off event of Lake of Stars 2024 which happened on 31st August 2024 at LUANAR, Bunda Campus, under the theme “Women Are Not Objects; They Are Leaders–showed how empowered women are when they come together. It is of great importance for women to gather with an aim of celebrating sisterhood and solidarity. The place was filled with many women of different works of life including students and artists. The energy and the anticipation for both the discussions and performances from participants was valued.
The main theme of the first panel discussion was centred around ‘’The Currency of Women Owned Creative Businesses; The Good, The Bad and The New Opportunities. The key speakers of this discussion included the founder of Story Club FM, Yamikani Chikoti, Fashion designer, Lily Alfonso and the poet, Darkshadow. They shared their personal stories and insights that stood out to inspire others as well as a way of overcoming challenges faced by women in the industry. The other panel discussion was about the Sisterhood and Solidarity of Women in the Creative Industry by Grl Pwrd (its founders Tammie Mbendera and Kim of Diamonds including Grl Pwrd members Lusungu and Tayamika). They focused on the importance of solidarity among women by saying that women’s solidarity is the very step of empowerment in all sectors be it economic or social sectors. They further said that it is like a feminist legacy that provides a shelter and is a safety for all.
The discussions did not just end on the stage only but also resonated with the audience as well. This was seen when the audience were responding to some of the questions being asked at the end of the discussions. The audience was also asking questions to get a full picture of how the creative industry is like and many more.
The live performances delivered by the female artists were so full of energy. There were artists like Temwa, Tayamika, Kim Of Diamond and Hazel Mak, Tiya Joan the poet, Dee the Comedian, Tamba Africa, Dj Bubblegum, DTK Afro and not forgetting the Daughters Band. The performances tied into the overall theme of sisterhood. Most of the artists addressed the theme directly through the energy they gave out during the performances, through their music and interactions with the audience.
Personally, I grabbed a lot more than what I expected. For example, I had to see for myself how women work together during panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions and live performances since it was an all women festival. To add to that, I was inspired by what Yamikani Chikoti shared by saying, “if you truly want something, you should not wait for it to come to you, rather knock on the doors.” She further highlighted that that's how she got to be where she is right now despite being denied opportunities sometimes, she never gave up. I believe others also grasped this and many more showing the broader impact of the event.
The Set it Off Event of the Lake Of Stars 2024 left a lasting impression on me and the audience through the all women panel discussions, workshops and live performances. The event portrayed the significance of continuing to foster solidarity among women beyond the event.
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