Creative art expert, Elizabeth Charles-Dede, has advocated women’s participation in the arts, saying they are powerful tools for social change and self-reliance.

Charles-Dede also said there was a need to create platforms where women’s voices could be heard and celebrated.

She spoke during a meeting revolving around the Impact of Women in Arts, and organised by her in celebration of the International Women’s Day, IWD.

According to her, the webinar session was to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in the creative industry and inspire them to do more.

Charles-Dedesaid: “Organised with passion and purpose, the webinar not only celebrated the achievements of women in the arts but also fostered meaningful dialogue about the challenges they face and the opportunities for growth.

“It served as a reminder of the power of arts to drive social change and the importance of creating spaces where women’s voices can be heard and celebrated. It was a step forward in the journey toward gender equality in the arts, and a testament to the incredible impact women continue to make in this field.”

While advocating for arts-driven conflict resolution channels, Charles-Dede spoke of her collaboration with a nongovernmental organisation, Put a Smile.

She hailed the organisation’s drive and commitment to using art as a tool for social change by mentoring young talents and promoting diversity in the arts.

The creative art expert added: “The webinar featured a panel session where five accomplished women from various creative fields and a male observer, offered perspectives on creative arts and the role women can play.

“One of the standout moments was the discussion on the sobering prediction that gender parity may not be achieved until 2158. This sparked a thoughtful conversation about the need for systemic change and the importance of creating spaces where women can thrive without prejudice.

“The webinar’s impact extended beyond the virtual stage, with two young adults selected for mentorship in photography and scriptwriting under the supervision of Put a Smile. This initiative, though modest in scale, is a shining example of how such events can translate dialogue into tangible action, empowering the next generation of female creatives.”