She Fest, a partnership between Constitution Hill, Love Infinity Media, and the Sizoya Sibuye Foundation, is set to host a nine-day Women’s Month Series from August 1–9 to celebrate the achievements and contributions of South African women.
The event, which takes place at Constitution Hill’s historic Women’s Jail, will include an awards banquet, film screenings, visual arts exhibits, workshops for the creative industry, and conversations between generations.
Through speeches by notable women in the creative business, the festival hopes to encourage the next generation, commemorate the progress made towards gender equality, and impart important knowledge.
The festival will also launch with the “Reflecting on Progress: South African Women in 30 Years of Democracy Gala Dinner”, honouring 30 women who have made significant impact in South Africa’s transformation over 30 years of democracy (1994–2024).
During the inaugural occasion, the names of the award recipients will also be added to the Women’s Jail memorial honouring former inmates alongside their names.
The Constitution Hill women’s jail glass monument honours women who endured apartheid-era imprisonment and played a significant role in the country’s liberation journey.
Speaking about the essence of the festival, Noluthando Rotwane, known as DJ Teedo Love, She Fest founder, said: “She Fest is a nexus for empowerment, embracing diversity and inclusivity. It serves as a platform for information, job creation, and addressing crucial issues affecting women in the film and music industry.”
Added Reuben Phasha, heritage: education and public programmes manager at Constitution Hill: “Constitution Hill’s goals for the event collaboration include celebrating achievements, reflecting on progress in women’s rights since 1994, inspiring young women, and fostering networking opportunities among diverse attendees.”
Key events open to the public include:
August 1: 30 Years of Democracy Visual Arts Exhibition.
A dynamic group exhibition made up of art pieces by women artists sourced from significant Johannesburg art institutions, such as The Market Photo Workshop and the ConCourt Collection.
These partner art institutions have played a pivotal role in highlighting the importance of culture as a tool towards development in society.
Featured artists on the exhibition include Sue Williamson and Virginia Mngoma, among other great women artists.
August 7–8: Inspiring Young Women: Take Girl Child To Conhill — Educational museum tours and Bill of Rights workshops.
August 7: Umbono Film Screenings — Featuring dialogues and screenings that highlight women in the film industry.
August 8: Music Industry Talks: Discussions on women’s roles and what means are available to grow their careers and protect themselves for risky deals or contracts.
August 9: Mental Health Dialogue: Panels and discussions addressing mental health issues among women, including a yoga session with Banesa Molauoa Tseki.
August 9: She Fest Concert: A free concert at the Women’s Jail, featuring international and local artists including Buhlebendalo, Lordkez, DJ Fae Fae, Teedo Love, Miria Alves from Brazil, and Delta The Leo.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za