The Tejan Festival for Harmony and Leadership was organized by TEJAN Women Institution with support from the Arab African Group on 18 May at the Ndere Cultural Center in Kampala, Uganda. The festival was part of a broader program aimed at empowering Sudanese women through the promotion of tolerance, leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. The event attracted more than 1,000 participants, including 50 vendors, the majority of whom were Sudanese women entrepreneurs.
The festival featured a business bazaar for showcasing and selling products, a psychosocial support session, a panel discussion on entrepreneurship and women’s business experiences, children’s recreational activities, and a variety of Sudanese and Ugandan cultural performances, including the traditional Sudanese coffee ceremony. These activities fostered community cohesion, strengthened cultural understanding, and provided opportunities for networking and economic empowerment.
Evaluation results and participant feedback indicated that the festival successfully achieved its objectives. Participants highly appreciated the organization, cultural activities, and entrepreneurial opportunities provided. Recommendations included continuing the festival series, expanding support for women entrepreneurs, and establishing training and business incubation programs to enhance the sustainability and growth of women-led enterprises.