In a bid to deepen the impact of women’s voices within Africa’s creative landscape, MMELI Arts Foundation, in partnership with Alliance Française de Lagos, convened a dynamic workshop in Ikoyi to mark International Women’s Day 2026. The initiative, titled Women, Words and Wealth, brought together an emerging community of women writers and creatives for a focused engagement on storytelling, professional growth, and pathways to publication.
Far from a ceremonial gathering, the workshop was structured as an intensive, practice-driven programme aimed at equipping participants with tangible skills. Across a series of sessions, attendees explored themes such as creative identity, voice development, and navigating the publishing ecosystem. These sessions were facilitated by a distinguished lineup including storyteller and filmmaker Phoenix Ezendu; veteran actor, writer, and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo; and award-winning author and journalist Nina Anyianuka.
At the heart of the initiative was a clear objective: to bridge the gap between raw creative potential and professional relevance. Richard Mofe-Damijo, who chairs MMELI Arts Foundation, underscored the importance of building institutional frameworks that support African creatives beyond talent alone. According to him, for African stories to compete on a global stage, creativity must be reinforced with structure, access, and sustained investment.
This perspective was echoed by Victor Mark-Onyegbu of Africa No Filter, who highlighted the power of storytelling in shaping global narratives about the continent. He encouraged participants to embrace authenticity while challenging outdated stereotypes, noting that intentional storytelling can redefine how Africa is perceived worldwide.
Founded by Nina Anyianuka, MMELI Arts Foundation continues to position itself as a catalyst for cultural renewal and professional development. Through initiatives like Women, Words and Wealth, the organisation is not only fostering creative expression but also advocating for a higher standard of practice within the industry. Anyianuka emphasised that the goal extends beyond self-expression to producing work that can stand confidently in competitive, global spaces.
She noted that the workshop was designed to help women transition from private creativity to public authorship, with a strong emphasis on discipline, structure, and intentional career building. This approach reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that creative work is not only meaningful but also economically viable.
Participants described the experience as both empowering and timely, particularly in a landscape where women in the creative sector often seek structured support. For many, the workshop offered a rare combination of cultural grounding and practical tools for building sustainable careers. Television and screenwriter Dorothy Ughenu described it as a pioneering initiative that created a safe and nurturing space for women storytellers, adding that the frameworks shared would enhance both creative output and earning potential.
The workshop was supported by partners including Nestlé Nigeria, Rite Foods, Alliance Française Lagos, and Africa No Filter, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of investing in the creative economy.
As momentum builds, MMELI Arts Foundation has indicated that additional workshops and opportunities for writers will be announced in the coming weeks, signaling a continued commitment to nurturing African talent and amplifying diverse voices across the continent.
As a pan-African nonprofit, the foundation remains dedicated to advancing creative excellence across disciplines—ranging from literature and film to design, theatre, and visual arts—while ensuring that African creatives are equipped with the tools, visibility, and institutional backing needed to thrive.