– Leading women gather to celebrate presence, power, poise
MARGARET CHISANGA
Lusaka
ZAMBIAN women are steadily taking up influential spaces across politics, business, media, and entrepreneurship.
With this reality, a new era of self-definition and shared celebration is taking shape.
Last Saturday in Lusaka, women came together to celebrate this growing visibility and influence, and to affirm their place, and each other, at the Brutal Fruit Spritzer Brunch.
Hosted in the tranquil setting of Foxdale Forest, the invitationonly event brought together influential women and digital creators, including Mwaka Halwindi, Alina The Alchemist, Olivia Tutu, Bombshell and Anita Mwiinga, for a morning that blended indulgence with purpose.
Thirty prize-winners (with each bringing a best friend or plus one) also attended as special guests of Brutal Fruit, following a competition held across different social media earlier in the month.
The gathering created a moment for women to have a collective pause – a chance to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate what it means to belong in one’s skin and own their own story.
A live influencer panel sparked honest dialogue around identity, ambition, and the invisible pressures women face when stepping into their power.
Curated experiences helped the audience honor the “modern muse” — a woman who is present, powerful, and poised.
Guests were also invited to write personal reflections on an
‘Affirmation Tree’ — a powerful visual center-piece filled with messages of self-worth, healing, and hope.
“This brunch was a beautiful reminder that we don’t need to wait for permission to celebrate who we are,” Mwaka Halwindi said. “Being surrounded by women who are boldly stepping into their power was incredibly energising. Brutal Fruit has created more than an event — it’s created a sisterhood.”
“Zambian women are rewriting what leadership and presence look like — but many still wrestle with self-doubt behind closed doors,” said
Mwila Matoka, Brutal Fruit Brand Manager.
“This brunch was about creating a space where every woman is reminded: you already belong. This is not just about celebration – it’s about affirmation and a reminder that women across our country need to take time for themselves to fill their cups.”
She said Zambia is currently the second-largest market for Brutal Fruit globally, and this event formed part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to empowering the country’s women with spaces that are aspirational yet authentic, beautiful and deeply real.
The brunch unfolded as an expression of feminine energy.
From a gourmet brunch – with brunch boxes deliciously prepared by award-winning Chef Kat – to Brutal Fruit Spritzers and live music by Becky and top DJs including Ms Selfie, Nia B, Amma and My Boyfriend the event embodied both joy and unapologetic elegance.
