Sibongile Ndiweni, Sunday Life Reporter
IT does not just take the month of March to encourage women to empower themselves and improve their lives because they are deserving of it, but rather all year-round, as they are thought to be capable and successful in whatever they set their minds to do.
Themed as a late Women’s month celebration, on 8 April, Thandekile Ndlovu, the director of Isilimela Productions hosted a women’s night out which was aimed at empowering women on the importance of fixing each other’s crowns by supporting each other in the arts industry.
The event which was held in Bulawayo was graced by Mandy Mae an Afro-Reggae and Afro-dancehall artiste, dancer and pianist who is also into acting. Khaliphile Sibanda who is an Opera singer, theatre performer and also the director of Geraldine Rouche Drama Club attended the event as the guest speaker.
Speaking to Sunday Life, Samantha Bhayana Ndlovu who was crowned first princess at the Royal Miss Vithikazi pageant last year said the event was all about identifying new talent in Bulawayo. She said the turn out was more than expected, with the crowd having a female dominance.
“This women’s night out came as an encouragement to the talented women that, having nothing to do is a choice they should never go for as there are many opportunities for them and that they have the ability to blossom in the arts industry and be successful in their lives,” she said.
Along with connecting women from all sectors through art, Isilimela also launched its online magazine. The magazine seeks to empower women in the entertainment industry, and has stories of other women who chose the arts and are making a living out of it. Ndlovu said the magazine will give an opportunity to women in business to advertise themselves at a lower rate because it had been brought mainly for the women.
Some of the performers were Ruth Mlambo – a poet, Maggie Soul bird, Elle, Faith Fancy and Fifie Lotta who are all musicians.
Crowned the first princess in the Miss Royal Vithikazi pageant, a pageant that is for plus-sized women, Samantha reminded women that whenever their talents begin to pay off especially in the arts, they should consider giving back to the community because most of their support is brought in by the people from the societies.
“As the reigning first princess I have been supporting other people in the arts. I am a teacher by profession and living in a community that is dominated by youths who are affected by drug abuse because of different reasons. I hold extra lessons for free for primary and high school learners who have a passion in academics to try and keep them occupied to ensure that they don’t get to concentrate on drugs and substances. This has also helped stress the importance of education in my community,” she added.