MMELI Arts Foundation, Alliance Française Lagos Empower Women Writers with Storytelling Workshop for International Women’s Day 2026
In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, the MMELI Arts Foundation, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Lagos, convened women writers and creatives in Lagos for an intensive storytelling workshop aimed at strengthening creative identity and expanding pathways to publication.
The workshop, themed Women, Words and Wealth, was held in Ikoyi and brought together emerging and established female storytellers for practical sessions designed to refine craft, amplify voice, and build sustainable careers in the creative industry.
Facilitated by storyteller and filmmaker Phoenix Ezendu, veteran actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo, and award-winning author and journalist Nina Anyianuka, the programme featured sessions on Creative Identity, Developing Your Voice, and Publishing Pathways.
Speaking on the initiative, Mofe-Damijo, who also serves as chairman of the foundation, said the organisation is committed to building structures that transform African creative potential into measurable global influence. He stressed the need for institutional support to complement talent in order to compete on the international stage.
Also addressing participants, Victor Mark-Onyegbu, Head of Grants and Community Building at Africa No Filter, highlighted the role of storytelling in shaping global narratives about Africa. He encouraged participants to produce authentic, grounded stories capable of challenging long-standing stereotypes about the continent.
Founded by Anyianuka, the foundation focuses on cultural renewal and professional development for creatives. She noted that the initiative goes beyond encouraging expression, aiming instead to equip women with the discipline, structure, and tools required to produce globally competitive work.
“The goal is to move women writers from private expression to public authorship, with intentionality and professional rigour,” she said.
Participants described the workshop as timely and impactful, citing its blend of cultural insight and practical frameworks for career growth. Television and screenwriter Dorothy Ughenu noted that the programme created a supportive environment for women in storytelling while providing actionable strategies to strengthen both voice and earning potential.
The workshop was supported by partners including Nestlé Nigeria, Rite Foods, Alliance Française Lagos, and Africa No Filter.
The foundation disclosed that additional workshops and opportunities for writers will be announced in the coming weeks, urging interested participants and partners to engage through its official communication channels.
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