The recently concluded All African Women Poetry Festival (AAWPFestival) 3.1, held at the iconic Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi, was a huge success.
This year’s festival honored renowned Kenyan poet, playwright, and performer Sitawa Namwalie as one of its 2025 Literary Legends. The event saw over 80 attendees and triggered meaningful discussions on the interconnection of poetry, memory, and resistance.
The panel at the festival included four distinguished voices: Nyangari Macharia (Nyash), Winne Madoro (Kazu), Emma Ofosua, the freestyle poet and founder of the All African Women Poetry Festival, and the celebrated honoree Sitawa Namwalie.
Together, they explored the festival’s theme, “Of Memory and Loss,” with a particular emphasis on “Memory as Resistance.”
The discussions delved into the tragic loss of Kenyan women to femicide, the gradual disappearance of native languages and cultural heritage, and the fading sense of empathy in society.
These conversations brought to light poignant memories of love, the significance of communal living, and the deep bond between people and their environment. A key insight from the session was the idea that joy is the ultimate resistance against the erasure of resilience and past hardships.
The panelists concluded the session with a moving round of poetry, blending their voices to express remembrance, protest, and celebration. The festival ended with the presentation of the honorary recognition to Sitawa Namwalie, underscoring the event’s dedication to honoring Africa’s literary giants.
Sponsored by Tuniq Africa LBG and in partnership with Creative Spills in Kenya, AAWPFestival 3.1 reiterated its mission to amplify the voices of African women poets, engaging with vital socio-cultural themes through poetry and dialogue.
Looking ahead, poetry enthusiasts and literary admirers can anticipate AAWPFestival 3.2, where the exploration of “Of Memory and Loss” will continue with a special tribute to Her Excellency Prof. Abena Busia.