Women gear up for ‘Duku’ tea party

Good food, glamorous outfits, empowering lessons, powerful speakers and engaging conversations will characterise the Ladies High Tea, an all women event slated for Saturday at Area 10’s Plot 474 in Lilongwe.

One of the signatures in the dress code is a head wrap, which one of the organisers, Fawzia Osman, says is a way of celebrating the Malawian culture and it is in line with the Africa Day which falls on May 25 every year.

“Although it has become a fashion statement, a duku, [headwrap], does not merely represent a beautifying process; it also represents standing together as women. It is about acknowledging that a duku is more than just a piece of beautiful fabric. It’s a crown and a symbol of courageous leadership,” she says.

Osman adds that the Ladies High Tea, which will be held under the theme Unleashing her Power,  provides an opportunity for women to dress up, look good and share their stories over a wide range of teas and good food.

Among other exciting activities, Osman says the Ladies High Tea event will also have an all-male panel discussion. “Four gentlemen will be put on the hot seat to answer questions from our female patrons. The aim is for lwomen to have a better understanding of how men think,” she says.

The women’s fun-filled afternoon will also accord the patrons a chance to hear stories from powerful women from different walks of life.

“It will be an afternoon filled with learning, pampering, entertainment and amazing prizes. It is about bringing like-minded women together for a common purpose which is to empower, motivate and encourage harmony and inter-dependence among women from different nationalities, backgrounds, professions and races,” adds co-organiser of the event, Tshepi Matloga.

The organisers-Encore Creatives PR and Events, CNs Investments and Ome Cosmetics-say the Ladies High Tea will be an empowering event full of spoken word, business tips, and positive connections from and for women walking in their purpose.

“We want women to learn from successful business/career women how to promote and increase their businesses through powerful and effective networking, advertising, marketing and so much more.  Our mission is to create a platform for women to be uplifted and encouraged by other women,” Matloga adds.

The event targets leading women in communities; women in business, aspiring entrepreneurs; politicians and career women.

“It is generally for any woman looking to be among fellow women in hopes of gaining knowledge, unity, support and resources across a wide range of industries and interests,” she adds.

Speakers at the event include renowned human rights lawyer Sarai Chisala- Tempelhof, life coach Tamala Chirwa and nutritionist Patience Musiwa.