This is not the first time that Soapbox has sponsored events that give women a voice. The Promenade and Soapbox are committed to promoting women’s rights and the Wednesday gatherings are another way to support the local female community.
In the past, Soapbox has held events such as hosting the launch of Grit, which is a seven-part documentary series on the inspirational women of Kuwait, along with the screening of Dream, Girl, a documentary which showcases female entrepreneurs that talk about topics from self-sabotage, to balancing family life, to women supporting other women. The event closed with a panel of successful women in business and philanthropy discussing how women are able to excel in the realm of business and beyond in today’s world.
With the desire of encouraging discussion between women, Wednesday gatherings is a ladies’ event held at Soapbox on most Wednesdays of the year, the topics at the events are of particular interest to women that can be discussed in a safe space without judgment. Organized by a group of Kuwaiti women that come from varying backgrounds, each with their own unique passions, but united in their love for volunteer work and social responsibility.
The idea for the Wednesday gatherings came about because these women would get together and discuss a topic weekly that one of the group members would come up with. The group of women that commenced the Wednesday gatherings include Hessa Alrashed, Danah Althaidi, Asiah almaimny, Wasan Alshayji, Sara Almutairi, Faye Almutawa, Durrah Albuaijan, Mariam Alawadhi, amongst others.
These events encouraged a keen debate, which when people heard about, the group received requests of participation. From there came the Wednesday Gatherings, and previous speakers included Dr. Dana alsalem, Dr. Lama alhumaidan, Dr. Ebtesan Alansari, Alanood Alsubaihi, Manayer Alkanderi, Tasneem Alsanand, Jana Alsanad, Nour Alsanad, Amal almutairi, Fatima Jaafar, Esra Alkandari, and Dalal Alhammadi.
The Wednesday Gatherings are considered to be the first ladies “diwaniya” in the Gulf regions, an ideology that is being replicated in many of the neighboring countries, such as Qatar and Bahrain. The idea is to give women a voice to discuss topics that resonate deeply with them. The topics range from women’s health, women in business, safe and effective volunteering amongst many more.
In each meeting, the girls are eager to instill concepts of goodness in the participants, while getting to know each other. This gathering is an opportunity for learning, teaching, and getting acquainted with people of similar age with different specializations and environments.
Soapbox is keen to build a community, a place where businesses, clubs and social groups can meet for events. That is why Soapbox has deliberately thought out the layout of the main hall. With movable furniture, the area seems spacious yet cozy within smaller sections. So, while the open plan is maintained, several different groups can occupy the space without impeding on each other. It is the ideal space for you to hold meetings, or have a small gathering of friends or colleagues, especially with the café there. With large tables as well as massive sofas, there are a multitude of ways for you to be able to enjoy Soapbox for hours at a time.
Soapbox is also Kuwait’s first retail incubator, as the name suggests, it is a safe, nurturing environment which supports and prepares new business owners in their economic ventures. With low overheads and flexible terms Soapbox tenants can choose from pre-fitted, manageably sized shop spaces or they can opt for shorter-lease kiosks or pop-up. Once moved-in the focus can immediately be on sales and building the business’ brand.
To learn more about the Wednesday Gathering and their upcoming events, follow @Wednesday. gathering on Instagram. For more Soapbox news follow @soapboxkw on Instagram. The Promenade is located on 3rd Ring Road, opposite Qadsiya, for more on The Promenade’s activities and events follow them on Instagram @thepromenadekw or call 2227 7130.
