7th edition of Absolument Femmes in seven activities
Pierre-Phaill Goudou ·
Debate sessions, talks, exhibitions, concerts, writing workshops and screenings were organized in Montréal to draw the community's attention to the work of women in various fields.
For 7 years, Compagnie Théâtre Créole has been celebrating and honoring the work, talent, courage and strength of women through the Absolument Femmes initiative, an open space for all women artists, artisans, entrepreneurs and producers over three days.
This year, activities were launched on the evening of Friday, March 6 with a welcome cocktail followed by a writing workshop. Through last Sunday, the date marking International Women's Rights Day, artistic, social and cultural activities continued as part of this initiative, which this year focused on the role of art as a tool for advocacy and social equity.
Discussion panels, talks, exhibitions, concerts, writing workshops and screenings were organized in Montreal to draw the community's attention to women's work across various fields. La Maison des Sports et du Loisir hosted, on the second day, about ten women entrepreneurs and producers who displayed their artisanal and agricultural products.
Women-led startup companies founded by Haitian women, such as "Dremayli" and "Dala's AgriPro," gained in sales and visibility during this exhibition, which aimed to encourage women's initiatives in the field of entrepreneurship.
On Saturday evening, a major concert brought together 3 talented singers whose reputations speak for themselves. The salle Mirella et Lino Saputo welcomed Asaf, Tamara Suffrin, and Barbara Guillaume, known for her commitment as a singer. The three accomplished singers delighted a select audience with their pitch-perfect notes, strong stage presence and creativity on stage.
Singer Asaf opened the concert. She immediately established an emotional connection with her audience through the quality of her voice and her distinctive way of interpreting songs that have left their mark on Haitian music.
Next came the turn of singer and feminist activist Barbara, born Rebecca Marie, Guillaume, who electrified the room with the power of her voice and her stage presence. Known for her battles in support of women's causes, Barbara Guillaume, who had stepped away from the stage for years, emphasized the role of women in the evolution of the world.
The performance of a medley bringing together traditional songs "Ayiti cheri, Panamam tonbe, Ti fi ki pa konn lave pase," adapted to "Gason ki pa konn fé manje," was a highlight of Barbara Guillaume's performance.
Tamara Suffrin, who closed the concert, left no doubt as to her talents as an accomplished singer, her ability to connect with the audience, and her command of the stage. She performed songs from her latest album, including "Bonjou" and "Pale Kreyol," which were a delight for the audience. Her rendition of the song "Fanm Peyi'm" by Ansy Derose, celebrating the qualities of Haitian women, transformed the emotional state of the audience, who sang along with the singer in a rare moment of communion.
Instrumentalists David Mobio (keyboard), Watson Joseph (bass), Assane Seck (guitar) and Wess Beaudry (drums), and Cinthia Michel on vocals did remarkable work accompanying the three singers.
This memorable concert, which brought Asaf, Barbara Guillaume and Tamara Suffrin together on stage, was the highlight of the weekend's celebration of International Women's Rights Day in Montreal.
The 7th edition of Absolument Femmes concluded at the salle Petit Auditorium Collège Maisonneuve on Sunday, March 8. Laughter was in store with Garihanna Jean Louis and Cynthia Jean Louis in "Humour pour un soir."