African Feminisms Gathering: Four Days of Transformative Exhibitions, Workshops and Discussions at the Goethe-Institut

The African Feminisms Gathering, part of the Goethe-Institut’s regional project African Feminisms – Rights, Representation, Resources and hosted under the House of African Feminisms (HoAF), is a four-day event taking place from 25 to 28 September 2025 at the Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg.

The Gathering unites thinkers and creatives to explore justice, power shifts, and collective strategies for change in Africa. Here’s what you need to know.

African Feminisms Gathering by Thabang Taukubung Goethe-Institut — Image by by Thabang Taukubung

African Feminisms Gathering schedule:

Rooted in a commitment to amplifying feminist knowledge, artistic expression, and movement-building across Africa and its diaspora, the African Feminisms Gathering symposium will bring together feminist scholars, organisers, artists, and cultural workers.

Through a dynamic programme of panel discussions, roundtable dialogues, performances, and participatory workshops, participants will engage in deep dialogue, skill-sharing, and collective imagination.

African Feminisms Gathering by Thabang Radebe Goethe-Institut — Image by Thabang Radebe

Day 1

Opening Moments: Voices, Visions & Welcome

Join for the official opening of the African Feminisms Gathering 2025 at the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg. The evening begins with welcoming remarks from representatives of the German Embassy and the Goethe-Institut, followed by a keynote address by Professor Pumla Dineo Gqola (not attending) titled “Shifting Power through Feminisms.”

Here visitors get to see the Women*s Rights – A Tapestry of Perspectives exhibition receive an official ceremonial opening, featuring works by four selected artists, alongside the House of African Feminisms (HoAF) display.

The evening concludes with music, refreshments, and informal networking, marking the beginning of a dynamic and inspiring gathering of feminist voices from across the continent and diaspora.

Cost: Free entry

When: Thursday, 25 September 2025 from 4.30pm, Keynote begins at 5.30pm
Where: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg

African Feminisms Gathering by Shirin Motala Goethe-Institut — Image by by Shirin Motala

Day 2

Building Collective Power: Panels and workshops

This full-day programme explores the processes of transformation within feminist movements, with a focus on movement building and the evolving landscape of digital feminisms.

Through a combination of wellness sessions, collaborative Edit-a-thons, and reflective spaces, participants will engage with critical questions. The day will culminate in a panel discussion featuring diverse voices from across the continent and diaspora, sharing strategies, strengthening solidarities, and imagining the futures we are collectively shaping.

The day’s programme is as follows:

Edit-a-thon hosted by Wikimedia Foundation – 10am to 4pm
African Feminist Rituals of Healing and Community with The Nest Space (wellness session) – 10.30am to 1.30pm at the Nest Space, 23 7th Ave, Parktown North, booking required via The Nest
Claiming the Web – Feminist Practices in the Digital Age (panel) – 11.05am to 1pm
Zoom-In: Feminist Movement building (session) – 2pm to 3pm
Building African Feminist Movements: Strategies, Struggles, and Solidarity (panel) – 3pm to 5pm
Gallery Walkabout – 5pm to 5.30pm

Cost: Free entry

When: Friday, 26 September 2025 from 10am to 5.30pm
Where: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg

Day 3

Building Feminist Futures: Panels, workshops and screenings

This day focuses on feminist futures and economies addressing intersecting crises. Through art, activism, and dialogue, participants explore strategies for building just, resilient, and sustainable movements that respond to social, economic, and ecological challenges.

The day’s programme is as follows:

Connected Landscapes: Beading as Collective Practice (workshop) – 10am to 2pm
African Feminist Economies: Rethinking Value, Labor, and Justice (panel) – 10.30am to 12.30pm
Spotlight: Meet the artist Irene A’mosi – 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Nkisu: Reading & Discussion With Actor Spaces – 3pm to 4.30pm
Polycrisis and Feminist Responses: Intersections of Resistance and Renewal (panel) – 3pm to 5pm
Gallery Walkabout – 5.15pm to 5.45pm
Film Screening at The Bioscope – Minky (South Africa) & The Bride (Rwanda) 8pm to 10pm The Bioscope Independent Cinema, 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg

Cost: Free entry – book film screenings via The Bioscope (keep an eye out for ticket release)

When: Saturday, 27 September 2025 from 10am to 10pm
Where: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg

See the detailed panel and workshop schedule for Day 2 and 3

Goethe-Institut building a stronger Network Event and Talk at the Goethe-Institut Building a Stronger NPO Sector through Fundraising | What's on in Joburg

Day 4

Threads we carry forward – Mapping Feminist Tomorrows

In this intimate closing session, participants will gather in small groups to reflect on what has resonated most over the past few days.

Each group will focus on a theme drawn from the gathering, with space to imagine feminist futures – both practical and visionary. Together, you’ll shape takeaways and to-dos – ideological, strategic, or creative – to carry forward beyond the gathering.

Cost: Free entry, RSVP in person via reception during the Gathering

When: Sunday, 28 September 2025 from 10am to 2pm