Through a vibrant examination of contemporary art and music, Siphokazi guides us through the distorted narratives of African women's lives in South Africa's history. Siphokazi will explain how art serves not only as a reflection of society that unveils the distortive lens through which African women's stories have been told, but also offers a vibrant canvas for redefining African womanhood.

Guided by Buki Fadipe, we delve into the heart of Afro-spiritual traditions, mythologies and archetypes, uncovering their profound influence on African-descendant and diasporic women's navigation of the world. Buki will uncover the rich tapestry of pan-African spiritual cosmologies, deeply rooted in matriarchal societies—both real and mythical—that once presided over social order and justice. Spotlighting the diverse breadth of feminine mythologies from the Mami Wata archetypes, the Siblys prophetesses of the classical world and the Àjé wielding cosmic mothers of the Yoruba tradition and beyond. This class will confront the colonial erasure and suppression that have obscured these powerful narratives. Examining the rise of patriarchal power and its lasting scars on the collective feminine psyche, including gender biases and the reshaping of socio-political dynamics.

In this class, Hakima Abbas collaborates with Afro-transfeminists Puma Camille and Maria Clara Araújo dos Passos to explore the intersections of Afro-trans femininity and the expansive scope of human identity beyond the gender binary. Together, they will delve into the nuanced experiences and contributions of Afro-trans individuals within feminist movements and broader society, shedding light on the significance of recognizing and honouring humanity in all its diversity.

In this class, we will reclaim memory and narrative, affirming the agency and impact of African-descendant women to societal transformation. Amina Doherty collaborates with Gesiye Souza-Okpofabri and Timiebi Souza-Okpofabri to explore compelling narratives and examples that illuminate the ingenuity, creativity, connections and transformative power African-descendant women hold in rewriting their stories and reshaping their communities.

In class, Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah will introduce historical and cultural practices that have shaped African understandings of sexuality, highlighting the ways in which knowledge has traditionally been passed down through generations. Drawing from age-old rituals and practices, she will explore how these ancestral insights can inspire expansive models of feminine liberation and freedom today. This session offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with a more liberated and inclusive approach to discussing and embracing sexualities within African and Afro-diasporic communities.

Chika Unigwe, an acclaimed novelist and professor of creative writing, will discuss the power of storytelling in representing the multifaceted experiences of African-descendant women. Chika will illuminate how stories can confront crises, challenge societal perceptions, and ultimately, contribute to the reshaping of identities. Discover and harness the strength of your own stories, learning how storytelling can not only represent lived experiences and foster a deeper sense of self, but also express nuances and truths about the world around you.

In this visually stunning exploration, Jessica Horn and Laurence Sessou will traverse the traditional and contemporary realms of tattooing and scarification, revealing the deep connections between body markings, heritage, and the ways African women assert agency over their bodies and stories. In a discussion about their project, ‘the temple of her skin' Jessica and Laurence will explore the cultural significance, personal narratives, and artistic beauty of tattooing and scarification, offering insights into an often under-explored aspect of African women's expression and identity.

Pumla Dineo Gqola, renowned Chair for African Feminist Imagination at Nelson Mandela University, will delve into the intricate layers of feminist thought, literature, and liberation. Drawing upon her extensive body of work, including the pivotal texts "A Renegade Called Simphiwe," "Reflecting Rogue: Inside the Mind of a Feminist," and "Female Fear Factory," Pumla will guide participants through a profound exploration of the ways in which fear has been manufactured and utilised as a tool to suppress and control women's bodies and freedoms across history and cultures.

Drawing on her experiences in fostering mental, emotional, spiritual, and communal well-being, April-Autumn will share strategies for nurturing resilience and empowerment among women and girls. This class aims to ignite women's potential, celebrate female resilience, and contribute to the creation of strong, empowered individuals capable of sustaining themselves and enriching those around them.

Join Doriana Diaz in a transformative exploration of self through the art of collage. This workshop transcends traditional craft, inviting you into the process of "Re-creating Ourselves" through visual praxis and thematic storytelling. Learners will be invited to reflect on the lessons they’ve learned throughout the course, as well as their own experiences, learning about how engaging with archives and forming ritualistic practices can provoke reflection on self-identity, evolution, and help shape our understanding of ourselves and our journey through life.