The Algerian Minister of Culture, Malika Bendouda, stated in a media interview reported by a correspondent in Algeria: “Women’s creativity is not considered a marginal act in Algerian culture, but rather one of its deep sources brimming within Algeria, and a symbol of memory. This is due to the impact such creativity leaves on collective thought and the consciousness of everyone around it and the world as a whole.”
She added, “The creative woman is a civilizational bet on the future, where women are more present and active.” She noted that the current cultural vision is based on promoting and valuing women’s creativity in various Algerian provinces, while giving the Algerian south the prestigious status it deserves for its material and immaterial richness.
The Algerian minister emphasized her commitment to the national and international classification of this practice, which highlights aesthetic and civilizational values. It continually proves, like many other cultural activities, that Algeria has always been and will remain a space for excellence and creativity.
Meanwhile, Festival Commissioner Sidi Ali Ben Merabet told Sputnik: “The festival focused on the African depth of women in southern Algeria,” expressing his pride in the culture of that region, whether in literary or artistic creativity, customs and traditions, and even the clothing, jewelry, and the way women dress in that area, which reflects a deep cultural scene with authenticity and shared history in the Sahel region.
A Master Class competition was organized for the most beautiful attire in the south, where the festival saw widespread participation from various designers, whether for fashion or traditional jewelry, showcasing what their skills have produced in this field. The exhibited outfits varied, highlighting the implicit meanings of women’s clothing, which combines beauty and modesty, as well as the challenges faced by women in Africa, characterized by its harsh nature.
In a related context, fashion designer Dounia Doumaq told Sputnik: “My participation as a fashion designer in the festival is a tribute to women in the south and in Africa in general, where I drew the colors of my designs from the harsh African nature.” Like the clothing and jewelry in southern Algeria, the festival showcased cultural and artistic diversity and richness through organizing art exhibitions with live workshops on painting, furniture making, and photography, along with specialized exhibitions on southern cuisine attended by local chefs.
