MMELI Arts Foundation, Alliance Française convene women for storytelling intensive to mark IWD 2026

Michael Olumide

To commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, MMELI Arts Foundation, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Lagos, convened women writers and creatives for a high-impact storytelling workshop aimed at strengthening voice, craft and access to publishing opportunities.

The programme, titled Women, Words and Wealth, held in Ikoyi, Lagos, brought together emerging and established creatives for an intensive, hands-on experience designed to sharpen their creative identity and position them for professional success within the global storytelling ecosystem.

Structured as a practical and immersive workshop, sessions focused on key areas including Creative Identity, Developing Your Voice, and Publishing Pathways.

These sessions were facilitated by renowned storyteller and filmmaker Phoenix Ezendu; veteran actor, writer and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo; and award-winning author and journalist Nina Anyianuka.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Chairman of MMELI Arts Foundation, Richard Mofe-Damijo, emphasised the need for intentional support systems for African creatives. He noted that while talent abounds across the continent, institutional frameworks remain critical to transforming creative potential into global influence.

According to him, the foundation is committed to building structures that enable African voices to move “beyond potential into tangible influence,” stressing that creativity must be supported by systems that ensure competitiveness on the global stage.

Also speaking, Victor Mark-Onyegbu, Head of Grants and Community Building at Africa No Filter, highlighted the power of storytelling in shaping narratives about Africa.

He urged participants to embrace authentic storytelling that challenges stereotypes and presents a more nuanced and grounded representation of the continent.

Founded by Nina Anyianuka, MMELI Arts Foundation continues to position itself as a catalyst for cultural renewal and professional development across Africa’s creative industries.

The organisation focuses on equipping creatives with the tools, discipline and opportunities required to thrive in competitive global markets.

Anyianuka explained that the Women, Words and Wealth initiative was conceived to bridge the gap between creative expression and professional authorship.

She stressed that beyond encouraging creativity, the programme is designed to instill structure, discipline and intentionality in the creative process.

“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 said.

“We want to help women writers transition from private expression to public authorship in a sustainable and impactful way.”

Participants described the workshop as both timely and transformative, noting that it provided not only a safe space for expression but also practical frameworks for building sustainable careers in storytelling.

Dorothy Ughenu, a television and screenwriter, described the programme as a pioneering initiative within the storytelling community. She said the workshop offered valuable structures that would help amplify women’s voices while strengthening their earning potential within the creative economy.

“Women, Words & Wealth was a first-of-its-kind programme that nurtured a safe and empowering space for women storytellers. The frameworks shared will significantly enhance our creative output and economic opportunities,” she said.

The workshop was supported by key partners including Nestlé Nigeria, Rite Foods, Alliance Française Lagos and Africa No Filter, reflecting a growing commitment among corporate and cultural institutions to invest in Africa’s creative sector.

MMELI Arts Foundation disclosed that additional workshops and opportunities for writers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Interested participants and partners are encouraged to follow the foundation’s activities through its website and social media platforms or contact its editorial desk for collaboration and registration details.

As conversations around gender equity and inclusion continue to gain momentum globally, initiatives such as Women, Words and Wealth underscore the importance of equipping women with not just platforms for expression but also the tools and structures needed to thrive professionally.