After a five-year hiatus, ZafigoX 2024: Rejuvenation made a triumphant return, gathering an extraordinary group of women to share stories, learn, and uplift one another. Held at Menara KEN TTDI in Kuala Lumpur, the event brought together women from around the world for meaningful conversations on travel, personal growth, social causes, and women empowerment.
The lineup of speakers was nothing short of inspiring. Social activist Suri Kempe delivered a powerful talk on advocating for Malaysian women’s rights to pass citizenship to their children, while scientist and blind traveller Dr Mona Minkara moved the audience with her story of resilience and navigating the world as a blind woman. Etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho shared practical tips on immersing oneself in local cultures while travelling in a foreign country.
Through a recorded interview with Sheena Baharudin, Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad shared her work covering the genocide in Gaza, and Dr Sakia Haque, doctor and founder of ‘Travellettes of Bangladesh’ discussed breaking stigmas around solo female travel in Bangladesh and educating youth on reproductive health. Digital rights activist, Noelle Martin highlighted the dangers of deepfake imagery and the fight for justice for image-based abuse victims in her country.
Impactful panel discussions delved into diverse subjects, covering topics from empowering women through sports, featuring the legendary Datuk Nicol Ann David, to reigniting creativity with acclaimed writers like Hanna Alkaf (author of The Weight of Our Sky), Karina Robles Bahrin (author of The Accidental Malay), and Yasmin Yaacob (Creative Producer and Screenwriter), moderated by Rafidah Abdullah (screenwriter for Sa Balik Baju).
Cultural and social causes were spotlighted by a panel featuring Lilianne Fan (Cultural anthropologist and humanitarian), Shao-Lyn Low (Co-Owner of Eats, Shoots & Roots), and Sumitra Selvaraj (PR & Partnerships Manager of BCWA), moderated by Alleena Abdullah (Founder of Yellow Tree Malaysia).
In an arts panel featuring Annice Lyn (Photojournalist accredited for the Olympic Games), Nadirah Zakariya (Visual Artist), and Red Hong Yi (Artist), moderated by Sharmin Parameswaran (Independent Arts Curator), they spoke about the intersection between travel and art.
Peppered in between panels and talks were mesmerising performances by January Low (Odissi dancer), Velvet Aduk (Vocalist), and Sheena Baharudin (Spoken Word Artist). Attendees could also browse at curated booths outside the conference hall: Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) for clinical breast checks, Lit Books to browse books from our lineup of writers and more, Xiaomi displayed their mobile devices, Hé Ni for coffee and drinks, PSPK for eco-friendly and handmade items by women and youth from local and refugee communities, MakChic featured their children’s picture books, and United Airlines showcased their travel deals.
We also had a delicious lunch served by PichaEats, a food-led social enterprise empowering and supporting refugee mothers and asylum seekers by marketing and delivering authentic meals made by them.
The true magic of ZafigoX 2024, however, was in the connections made between participants and speakers. From networking sessions to informal meet-ups, women were able to form lasting bonds and collaborations. ZafigoX continues to be a vital space for women to share their journeys and support one another, growing stronger together in a community that celebrates their diversity and strength.
We had an incredible weekend, and we can’t wait for you to see what we’ll be up to next. If you attended this year’s ZafigoX, we’re keen to hear any feedback and suggestions. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
