On Saturday, September 6, 2025, Tingathe participated in the Set It Off Free Women-Led Festival 2025 held at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) NRC campus. The event was organised by Dusty Orange Projects Et Al (DOPE Malawi)—the team behind the Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival—in collaboration with the European Union (EU) Film Festival.
The festival provided a good platform for cultural exchange, storytelling, and youth empowerment. Tingathe joined other organisations to inspire and motivate young women to realise their full potential and pursue leadership opportunities.
During the festival, a panel discussion titled “What Resistance/Barriers Young Women Face in Their Leadership Journey” brought together women leaders, including Sarah Lindeire our Co-founder and Country Representative. With warmth and authenticity, she shared her experiences and insights on what it means to lead as a woman in today’s world. Sarah further drew inspiration from historical examples of successful female leaders such as Rose Chibambo, motivating participants to act with confidence and courage.
During the discussion, participants also reflected on the challenges young women face. Some pointed out the lack of clear communication and the discouragement they receive from close relatives, which often causes them to lose motivation. One participant shared, “Despite organisations coming in to support women in many sectors, women are still facing challenges such as a lack of capital to start businesses and fear of investing in their dreams due to low self-confidence.” Another participant added that some young people today focus more on financial gain from events rather than using such opportunities for personal growth and new perspectives—an attitude that contributes to failure in leadership development.
Films such as The Scare by Faith Msole and Mary Robinson, which highlighted themes of resilience, identity, and leadership, sparked thought-provoking conversations among attendees. Tingathe’s participation connected these narratives to its ongoing work in empowering young women, nurturing local talent, and strengthening leadership skills within communities.
Beyond the films, the Tingathe team connected with young attendees through mentorship and networking sessions — listening to their stories, sharing experiences and offering guidance. Each conversation became a moment of inspiration, reflecting Tingathe’s unwavering commitment to nurturing confidence, creativity, and leadership among Malawi’s youth. Musical performances by the Nyenyezi Band added energy and vibrancy to the event.
The festival was not just a film showcase—it became a gathering of stories that celebrated courage, freedom, and the fight for human rights and climate justice. Its true magic shone in the way it brought people together, sparked collaboration, and inspired real change.
For Tingathe, being part of the Set It Off Free Women-Led Festival 2025 was an affirmation of our mission to uplift, inspire, and unlock the leadership potential within Malawi’s young women. Through storytelling, mentorship, and dialogue, we stood alongside other changemakers to confront barriers, challenge norms, and celebrate resilience.