Women Kreatives Connect Summit empowers young Nigerian women with skills, grants, and industry insights to build sustainable creative careers
The Women Kreatives Connect Summit 2.0, organised by Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, brought together over 2,000 women to explore opportunities and challenges in Nigeria’s creative industry.
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The event welcomed participants from diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to inclusion.
The summit provided a platform for young women to gain clarity on career pathways, access practical resources, and engage with established industry leaders.
Fatima Usman, a participant, said, “I realised that my experience is not isolated. Hearing others speak about similar challenges gave me a different perspective on what is possible.”
Discussions during the summit addressed structural and personal barriers facing women in creative careers. Panels, workshops, and mentorship sessions highlighted strategies for persistence, adaptation, and continuous learning.
Veteran actress and producer Joke Silva, during the Women Versus the Odds panel, encouraged attendees to remain consistent and build strong support networks, noting, “When women support one another, the path becomes clearer and the possibilities become greater.”
TAFTA’s Founder, Bolanle Austen-Peters, emphasised the importance of visibility and opportunity for women.
She stated, “Women Kreatives Connect was created to remind women that their stories matter, their voices deserve to be heard, and that even when the odds seem difficult, resilience and collaboration can open new doors.”
The summit also connected participants with tangible opportunities. Through a partnership with Ulanzi, content creation tools were distributed, and three young women—Halimah Ayomide Dunmoye, Victory Ajaja, and Uwaechie Maryanne Chidinma—received cash grants of up to ₦1.5 million through the Women Entrepreneurship Development Program (WEDP).
The Creative Catalysts Report, unveiled at the event, outlined structural challenges in the creative industry and offered actionable strategies for expanding access and supporting sustainable growth.
Program Lead at the Mastercard Foundation, Ruemuhwe Ewubare, stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration to strengthen long-term success for young women in the sector.
The summit also celebrated women making impactful contributions to the industry through the Creative Power List Awards, honouring Osas Ighodaro, Joke Silva, Genoveva Umeh, and Taaooma.
The outcomes of the Women Kreatives Connect Summit 2.0 underscore the potential for inclusive growth in Nigeria’s creative sector and highlight the role of platforms that equip young women with skills, resources, and networks to transform their careers.
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For more information about TAFTA programs and initiatives, visit [www.terraacademyforarts.com](http://www.terraacademyforarts.com) or follow @tafta_academy on social media.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
