Afropunk presents 500 Womxn
Afropunk hosted a 3-day talk series hosting 500 Womxn with the intention of impacting gender-based issues one person at a time. The event was hosted by Nandi Madida and Nandi Dlepu of MamaKaShaka to provide womex with self-care resources, safety workshops, influencer-led discussions and many more.
The panel had a diverse representation of women from different parts of the country but with almost the same backgrounds and experiences. His only show how women in South Africa have the same issues no matter where you are in the country.
Thanks to Afropunk for hosting such a powerful event and we hope to see many more of these talks for women by women.
In 2020, Afropunk, the global movement known for its bold celebration of Black identity, launched a transformative project titled “Afropunk Presents: 500 Womxn.” This powerful initiative was a response to decades of exclusion, erasure, and misrepresentation of Black women in media, music, politics, and beyond.
The campaign became a digital monument to amplify the voices, stories, and achievements of Black womxn across the diaspora – artists, entrepreneurs, activists, designers, and cultural innovators who are reshaping the world.
What Was the Goal of “500 Womxn”?
The project was more than just recognition—it was a bold statement of presence and power. Afropunk aimed to:
- Highlight womxn of color whose work and influence often go unrecognized.
- Decenter patriarchy and white supremacy in global conversations about leadership, art, and change.
- Create a visual and digital archive to honor Black excellence in womxn.
The spelling “womxn” was intentional — an inclusive term meant to challenge gender norms and celebrate trans, non-binary, and queer identities within the Black community.
The Impact in 2020
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial uprisings around the globe, Afropunk’s platform became a beacon of hope, resistance, and unity. “500 Womxn” spotlighted creators and disruptors in categories like:
- Music: Emerging and legendary artists redefining sound.
- Tech & Entrepreneurship: Start-up founders and fintech disruptors.
- Activism: Organizers on the frontline of Black Lives Matter and other global causes.
- Visual Art & Design: Visual storytellers reclaiming narrative through beauty and protest.
Each woman featured in the project represented a story of triumph, survival, and innovation.
Notable Names Included
Some notable names included in the 500 Womxn project were:
- Tiffany Haddish – Comedian and actress known for breaking barriers in Hollywood.
- FKA Twigs – Genre-defying musician and visual artist.
- Zozibini Tunzi – Miss Universe 2019 from South Africa, representing natural Black beauty on a global stage.
- Amanda Seales – Comedian, educator, and advocate for Black culture.
- Nadia Nakai – Rapper and style icon from South Africa.
These names were joined by hundreds of unsung heroes from all walks of life, each adding their voice to the collective power of Black womxn.
Why It Still Matters Today
Though launched in 2020, the legacy of “500 Womxn” continues to ripple through today’s cultural landscape. It challenges brands, institutions, and media to look beyond tokenism and truly invest in representation, equality, and inclusion.
For young Black girls, it was proof that they are seen, celebrated, and limitless.
Afropunk’s 500 Womxn initiative was a necessary and revolutionary project in a year filled with unrest, uncertainty, and change. It reminded the world of a truth often ignored: Black womxn have always been at the center of transformation.
Let 2020 be remembered not only for its chaos but also for how platforms like Afropunk rose to the moment and helped shift the culture.