On International Women’s Day, we bring together powerful voices from the Palestinian, Sudanese, and Congolese diasporas. From using art as a tool for healing and identity to sharing stories of resilience, leadership and social transformation—this evening is about connection, reflection and action. Be inspired by personal stories and insights about how women across the world fight for a more just future. Join the conversation and explore ways to strengthen solidarity and drive meaningful change in the Netherlands.
Please note: This programme is part of the FemTopia festival. Reservations for this programme can be made via the festival page.
About the speakers:
Fatima Zainelabdin is a Sudanese entrepreneur, activist, and advocate for refugee empowerment, currently based in the Netherlands. With a background in pharmacy, business development, and sustainability, she is the founder of Hashab, a sustainable skincare brand that ethically sources Sudanese gum Arabic and organic African ingredients to create high-quality beauty products while supporting girls’ education in farming communities.
After being displaced by war, Fatima turned her personal struggles into a mission to uplift marginalized communities. She leads the Sudanese Refugees Organization (SRO) in the Netherlands, working to provide support, advocacy, and opportunities for refugees. Passionate about women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and social impact, she actively works to bridge the gap between entrepreneurship and activism.
Carla Kabamba is a Dutch politician and political scientist with Angolan and Congolese roots. Since 2022, she has served as a city councilor in Amsterdam, representing her independent faction, Lijst Kabamba.
Carla grew up in The Hague, where she was actively involved in discussions, theater, spoken word, and debates. In 2003, she won second place in the BBC Young Public Speaking Award. She is a mother of a 10-year-old and a 2-year-old and currently lives in Amsterdam-Zuid, having previously lived in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. In addition to her political career, she is also active as a public speaker, artist, and writer.
Over the past few years, Carla has been actively involved in organizing FreeCongo protests, advocating for justice and awareness regarding the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Throughout her political career, she has been committed to issues such as youth care, affordable housing, and promoting diversity and inclusion in Amsterdam. Her engagement with the community and diverse background provide a unique perspective within the city council. Despite facing challenges within her former party, she has carved out her own path to pursue her ideals and drive positive change in the city.
Basema Salman is a cultural mediator, researcher, and founder of the Archives of the Stateless and Disappeared. She has extensive experience in researching and documenting the oral histories, lived-experiences, and social transformations of stateless communities.
Katia Dabdoub is an environmental artist. Katia utilizes nature through the process of chlorophyll printing to process emotions and communicate modern and historic moments with her audience.
