On Friday March 7, 2014 AWDF and partner, Brand Woman Africa, brought together influential African women artists, authors and musicians to honor International Women’s Day here in Accra. The evening began with a gallery opening featuring the works of Sena Ahadji, Kis Keya and Zohra Opoku. There was a common theme of identity and self-discovery among the artists’ works, which were very thought-provoking for the gallery-goers. The next phase of the night continued with readings and discussion with authors, Boakyewaa Glover, Yewande Omotoso and Alba Simprim led by their friend and colleague, Kinna Likimani. The women garnered a lot of laughter and appreciation from their audience. Finally, we concluded the night with two sensational performances by up-and-coming talents, Cae and Diana Bada. They made sure the crowd left the Alliance Française feeling energized and stunned in awe of the power of women.

Our artists’ gallery

Kis Keya

Sena Ahadji

Zohra Opoku

Kis Keya and her son, who clearly approves of his mom’s artwork

Zohra Opoku (left) and Sena Ahadji

AWDF Communications Specialist, Nana Darkoa, is a huge fan of Kis Keya’s artwork

The four women authors begin their discussions, from right: (Kinna Likimani, Alba Simprim, Boakyewaa Glover and Yewande Omotoso)

Audience members, absorbed in the discussion

“The novel isn’t dead for me because, for me, it’s like saying brushing your teeth is dead…it’s more like a habitual practice [writing]” – Yewande Omotoso on the so-called extinction of the need for written word.

“In my mind, I was thinking, what if a guy wrote it? Would he say the same thing? When a woman writes about certain things, it becomes such a topic…” – Boakyewaa Glover on female writers, photo by Portia Duah

“I have never thought of myself as a woman writer…I am a writer who happens to have a vagina…I am unapologetic about it.” – Alba Simprim, photo by Portia Duah

AWDF staff members enjoy listening to the authors read excerpts from their recent works.

Joana Foster, a co-founder of AWDF, purchases books by the authors after the reading.

Kinna Likimani, the night’s mediator who asked all of the right questions so that we could get to know the authors even better. Photo by Portia Duah.

AWDF Director of Programmes, Sarah Mukasa gives thanks to all who came on behalf of the organisation, as Patrice Gilles, Director of Alliance Française waits to give his piece. Photo by Portia Duah.

French-Haitian musical powerhouse, Cae performs with guitarist, Kyekyeku

Soulful songbird, Diana Bada, from Nigeria begins her set.

Diana invites anyone who wants to dance to come dance with her, and she is delighted to see this!

Not shy about sharing the spotlight!

Cae and one of her guest singing partners of the night, Ms O of Live FM, chat with actor, Narsh Smith after the performance.

One of the happiest fans of the night!

Joana Foster and Sarah Mukasa

A HUGE thank you again to all of those who made it out that evening! We appreciate your continued support of our mission and of women across the African continent!

Photos by Emily Barnard and Portia Duah