Five years ago, Bahati Chibuye Mwaipaja planted a simple seed: create a space where women could come together, speak openly, learn from one another and form meaningful connections. Today, Tea Party Zanzibar has grown into a much-loved gathering bringing together women from different professions, generations and walks of life.
“When you are starting something, you usually don’t see past what you are doing,” Bahati reflects. “That’s how it’s been-one step at a time. I wouldn’t say I had everything figured out, but I was hopeful and believed in the vision that kept me going.”
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Grace,” felt particularly fitting. Across an afternoon of conversation, fashion, wellness, finance, entrepreneurship and creativity, women were encouraged not only to network, but to slow down, listen and learn from each other.
Among them was first-time attendee Cecilia Moses, an interior designer working in furniture production and manufacturing. After hearing about Tea Party Zanzibar for years, she finally attended and found herself particularly inspired by the diversity of perspectives in the room-from conversations around wellness to financial empowerment. For Cecilia, being “rooted in grace” means resisting the pressure to rush, being gentler with herself and appreciating where she is today.
Cecilia Moses, Interior designer.
The event also continues to provide an important platform for women building businesses. Maryam Lweno, a banker by profession and creative entrepreneur by passion, is developing a business inspired by African prints, batik, linen, fashion and photography. She describes Tea Party Zanzibar as a place where women genuinely open up, meaningful relationships are formed and connections can extend far beyond the afternoon itself.
Maryam Lweno – Designer, Toxeeq
For henna artist Alicia, exhibiting for the first time brought tangible benefits. “It has added so much to my business,” she shares. “I have met so many ladies that have been so important, and also been so sweet to talk about my business to others.”
And Bahati is already thinking about what comes next. Her vision for the next five years includes a mentorship program that draws on the extraordinary network Tea Party Zanzibar has created, connecting younger women and girls with established women across different professions.
Five years later, perhaps that is the real beauty of Tea Party Zanzibar: women making room for other women- sharing knowledge, opening doors and reminding the next generation that they do not have to find their way alone.
Zanzibar Magazine was delighted to be part of this year’s celebration and to witness a homegrown platform continuing to champion women, creativity and community in Zanzibar.
PHOTOS: ALI KAGAWA