MAF and Nestlé Nigeria Collaborate to Empower Women in Storytelling
MMELI Arts Foundation (MAF), in partnership with Alliance Française de Lagos and Nestlé Nigeria, has successfully empowered women writers and creatives by enhancing their craft, voice, and pathways to publication opportunities. The Women, Words and Wealth workshop, held in Ikoyi, Lagos, focused on helping participants strengthen their creative identity, develop a distinctive voice, and navigate the publishing landscape effectively.
Workshop Sessions and Leadership
The workshop featured three key sessions: Creative Identity, Developing Your Voice, and Publishing Pathways. These were led by prominent figures in the creative industry, including storyteller and filmmaker Phoenix Ezendu, actor, writer, and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo, and award-winning author and journalist Nina Anyianuka. Each session provided practical insights and guidance tailored to the needs of women in the storytelling community.
Insights from Foundation Leaders
Richard Mofe-Damijo, chairman of MMELI Arts Foundation, emphasized the organization's commitment to building structures that elevate African voices from potential to tangible influence. He highlighted that creative talent requires institutional support to compete on a global scale, underscoring the importance of such initiatives.
Victor Mark-Onyegbu, Head of grants and community building at Africa No Filter, urged participants to recognize the power of narrative in shaping global perceptions. He encouraged them to tell grounded stories that challenge long-standing stereotypes about Africa, fostering a more authentic representation of the continent.
Foundation's Mission and Goals
Founded by Nina Anyianuka, MMELI Arts Foundation is dedicated to supporting cultural renewal and professional development for creatives. Anyianuka explained that the foundation aims to push for greater rigour in creative practice. The goal is not simply to encourage expression, but to equip women with the tools to produce work that can stand in professional and global spaces, she stated. She added that the Women, Words and Wealth workshop was created to help women writers transition from private expression to public authorship, with an emphasis on discipline, structure, and intentionality.
Participant Feedback and Impact
Participants praised the workshop as a timely boost for women in the creative sector, blending cultural grounding with practical frameworks for building sustainable careers in storytelling. Television and screenwriter Dorothy Ughenu described it as a first-of-its-kind programme that developed and nurtured a safe space for women in the storytelling community. She noted that applying the structures shared by the facilitators will amplify voices and strengthen earning power, highlighting the workshop's potential for long-term impact.
The collaboration between MAF, Alliance Française de Lagos, and Nestlé Nigeria demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering female talent in the arts, providing essential resources and mentorship to help women thrive in the competitive world of storytelling and publishing.
