Women are increasingly choosing to connect and collaborate in all-female entertainment spaces.
In Kenya, The Whine Down event is one such space for women, agender and non-binary people.
Every single entertainer and service provider on site is a woman or non-binary person as well as strong security teams, all led by skilled women practitioners.
Mary* (not her real name) explained to the Star that she came up with the idea to open a no-man event during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Whine Down event creates an opportunity for women to enjoy the city’s nightlife with much freedom.
"Worrying about what to wear, who you can be with, what you’re allowed to say and to whom, all out of fear for your safety, often has such marginalised groups wondering if it’s worth the risk," she said.
The event at one point hosted more than 1,600 people.
She said the idea came up during the pandemic, when everyone was locked in their own spaces.
"I had so much time to think and reminisce and think of spaces that I have attended and the experiences I have had," she said.
"It took time before the pandemic was over. I didn't start it immediately, it took a whole year to put things in order until 2021."
What inspired the idea?
The inspiration was collective and inspired by different people.
"One thing that pushed me to do it was the fact that I wanted to have people feel safe after a conversation with a male friend," she said.
"He told me 'As a man, I could wake up in Nairobi and walk in any space and there would be no issue, but as women or other people who do not identify as men, what spaces are there that accommodate you'?" Mary said.
She said the project has been well received in Kenya.
The Whine Down event also explores different dress codes as a part where the organisers come up with various themes for different events.
"We make the themes as fun as we can, and this helps in supporting people in the art spaces," she said, adding that they work with different creators in the entertainment industry.
"The event is meant for networking and having a good term and the intimacy of the event is what makes it special. Nobody is coming with ill-intent."
One of the themes worn was a hip hop buddy theme, where the audience had to dress as some of their favourite hip hop icons.
"We encourage everyone to wear whatever makes the attendees feel comfortable, happy and free. The music and vibes are set by an all-women line-up of DJs and live performers."
Why do women and other marginalised genders need this space?
"This space is quite important since other spaces are open to anybody, and that opens up insecurity factors," she said.
"Having to think of what to wear when you leave the house when going to have a good time, such norms should not be there in this era, but they are still there.
"Drinks are being spiked and that makes going to other spaces undesirable."
Who gets invited?
"The space is not particularly invite-based but more of as long as you are not a man and you are coming for the good vibe," she said.
"In case there are specifications of things you would want to share in terms of your identity, we are open to accommodate all those who are in the women's brackets."
During the event, the organisers don't allow photographers, to protect the privacy of their audience.
"No fear of being posted on social media without consent. We also emphasise non-men performance and we focus on non-men people to empower the gender minority."
Other security measures include announcing the venue of the events on the day of the event to the audience.
Mary said this also helps in planning and it has built trust with their audience.
Challenges faced include criticism from all over that is unwarranted or borderline harassment.
"Some people would harass us online for having the space. Others would question so much why they are not allowed to come to the space and threatened to come," she said.
"Finding a team to work with, getting permits, social media bullies," she added.
In five years, they are hoping the event will have grown and more people embraced its common goal.
"I want people to come and experience our event, and if it is something that works for them, then they can keep supporting us," she said.
"Kenya is a diverse space and we have such talented people. I hope to see even the government also supporting us."
mphilo, an artiste, said in her article on Tangazo Magazine after attending one of the events that, "Being surrounded by people who you know just want to have the same experience as yourself is incredibly comforting, and I fully appreciated that feeling the whole night."
The next Whine Down event will happen on October 22.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the EuropeanUnion. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Elizabeth Ngigi and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.