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By Doris Obinna
In a bold push to amplify women’s voices in the creative industry, the MMELI Arts Foundation, in partnership with Alliance Française de Lagos, convened writers and creatives in Lagos for a storytelling intensive to mark International Women’s Day 2026.
The workshop, titled Women, Words and Wealth, was held in Lagos and brought together participants from across the creative sector for a practical programme focused on strengthening craft, refining voice, and exploring pathways to publication.
Organisers said the initiative was designed to move beyond inspiration by equipping women with the tools needed to build sustainable careers in storytelling. Sessions at the intensive covered themes such as Creative Identity, Developing Your Voice, and Publishing Pathways, and were facilitated by storyteller and filmmaker Phoenix Ezendu; actor, writer and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo; and award-winning author and journalist Nina Anyianuka.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Mofe-Damijo, who chairs the MMELI Arts Foundation, said the organisation was committed to building structures that enable African creatives to translate potential into measurable impact.
He noted that while talent abounds across the continent, the absence of strong institutional support systems continues to limit the global competitiveness of African voices.
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Also addressing participants, the Head of Grants and Community Building at Africa No Filter, Victor Mark-Onyegbu, emphasised the power of storytelling in shaping global narratives about Africa. He urged participants to tell authentic, grounded stories capable of challenging entrenched stereotypes about the continent.
Founded by Anyianuka, the MMELI Arts Foundation said its programmes are aimed at fostering cultural renewal while promoting professional development for creatives across disciplines. The foundation stressed that the workshop reflects a broader push for greater discipline and rigour in creative practice.
According to Anyianuka, the goal of the initiative is not merely to encourage expression but to prepare women to produce work that meets professional and global standards. She explained that the Women, Words and Wealth workshop was conceived to help women writers transition from private expression to public authorship, with a focus on structure, intentionality, and long-term career growth.
Participants described the intensive as both timely and impactful, highlighting its blend of cultural grounding and practical frameworks for navigating the creative industry.
A television and screenwriter, Dorothy Ughenu, said the programme created a safe and supportive space for women in storytelling, adding that the insights shared by facilitators would help amplify voices and improve earning potential within the sector.
The workshop drew support from partners including Nestlé Nigeria, Rite Foods, Alliance Française Lagos, and Africa No Filter. While organisers said additional workshops and opportunities for writers will be announced in the coming weeks as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to professional development and strengthen Africa’s creative ecosystem.
