A training scholarship initiative, aimed to train and build the capacity of young women in the creatives industry in Africa, has been introduced by the Women in Creativity Africa (WICA), an innovative initiative aimed at empowering African women in the creatives.
As part of the scholarship scheme, at least 50 young women with talents in the creatives would annually be awarded scholarships by WICA to undergo skills development training at The Africa Freelancers (TAF) College, a tuition-free institution dedicated to nurturing creative talents in Ghana.
Mrs Sandra Ocquaye, CEO and Co-Founder of WICA, announcing the scholarship scheme during the official launch of WICA in Accra, expressed appreciation to TAF College for the partnership to develop and sharpen the skills of women in the creative sector, which holds immense potential for the economic empowerment of women.
WICA, which was launched on the theme, “Bridging borders, breaking barriers,” seeks to among other objectives, address the critical issue of women’s underrepresentation in the creative industry by enhancing their capacity through skills training, talent nurturing, mentorship and entrepreneurship empowerment to break barriers.
The launch of the organization, which was characterized by a panel discussion of pertinent issues affecting females in the creatives, and lifetime awards for female achievers, creates a platform for effective collaboration among women in the creative industry.
Explaining the rationale for the establishment of the organisation, Mrs Oquaye noted that research has consistently shown significant underrepresentation of women in various creative disciplines, amidst persistent stereotypes and misconceptions about the creative industry as a male-dominated domain which discourages creative African women from entering and advancing in these careers.
According to her, the mission of WICA is “to empower and celebrate creative African women, fostering inclusivity, breaking barriers, and creating a vibrant community where every woman’s creative voice is heard.”
“Our objectives align with the continent’s efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals on poverty alleviation, quality education, gender quality, and decent jobs and economic growth,” she stressed.
In addition, she noted that the group seeks to celebrate female leaders, champion their achievements, and create mentorship programmes that connect aspiring creatives with established figures, as well as actively cultivate opportunities by investing in programmes that nurture female talents, provide access to training and resources, and support the creation of female-led initiatives in the creative industry.
Gifty Anti, an award-winning broadcaster and author, who was the guest speaker, challenged women to be creative to be able to break barriers in their respective enterprises and industries.
The panelists— Alethia Glover, CEO of Treasure Attitude International, Regina Odigie-Olotayo, Creative Director at Cedar Femme Media, Sharon Dede Padi, CEO of Padiki Art Gallery, Akosua Agyapong, award-winning singer and songwriter, Rev Mrs Angela Appiah, a coach and first female president of the Institute of Directors, and. Rosalin Kyere-Nartey, celebrity chef and CEO of Africa Dyslexia Organisation—encouraged networking among female entrepreneurs, especially in the creative industry.
“We shouldn’t be interested in just building ourselves, but also focus on how to connect with other female leaders to develop initiatives into big projects in Africa,” Regina Odigie-Olotayo noted.
She explained that those interested in partnerships could address trust issues by ensuring that the partnership arrangements are supported with documented agreements to avoid disputes.
Akosua Agypong also urged young women to nurture their creative talents and avoid being discouraged by stereotyped criticisms.
Similarly, Rev Angela Appiah and Kuukua Eshun, a filmmaker and writer, urged women to appreciate their value and pursue their creative talents in a purposeful way to solve development problems in society.
“You need to tie your talents to a purpose,” Kuuka Eshun told young women in the creatives, adding that “it’s not enough to be creative in using your gifts but it has to be purposeful and beneficial to society.”
As part of the event, awards were presented to some exemplary women of creative excellence for their achievements and contributions to the growth of the creative industry.
They include Eunice Darko, CEO of Manye & Mantse Clothing, Nana Afriyie Frimpong, Costume Designer and Film Producer, Lydia Ashitey, award-winning make-up artist, Natalie Fort, television presenter, Tunisia Tagoe, CEO of Ladies Entrepreneurship Club, Gifty Anti
Rosalin Kyere-Nartey, Regina Odigie-Olatoyo, Eritha Glover, Sharon Dede Padiki, and Kuukua Eshun.
