The Quiet Space: Embracing Tranquility a tthe Women Deliver Conference 2023
By: Tabetha Rudo Kanengoni-Malinga
As I stepped into the quiet space at the Women Deliver conference in Kigali, Rwanda, a serene hush enveloped me. The moment the heavy soundproof door closed behind me, the noise from the bustling conference hall faded into silence. It was as if a gentle veil of tranquillity had been draped over my senses, offering respite from the clamour of women’s empowerment and advocacy that reverberated throughout the venue.
As an extrovert, the high-energy atmosphere of the conference was exhilarating and invigorating. The dynamic discussions and passionate exchanges fuelled my spirit, igniting a fire within me to be an active part of the collective force propelling positive change for women worldwide. However, even the most outgoing souls occasionally yearn for a moment of quiet amidst the vibrant storm of voices and ideas.
The three partitioned spaces beckoned to me like separate worlds of serenity. The lamps shaped like lava lamps emitted a gentle white glow that seemed to symbolize the unwavering hope that united us all in our pursuit of gender equality. I chose a spot in the corner, nestled in the embrace of the warm light, and settled into the plush armchair.
As I settled into the armchair, a sense of relief washed over me. The noise-cancelling properties of the room created a sacred bubble, where time seemed to slow down, allowing me to gather my scattered thoughts. The contrast between the silence within and the clamour outside was surreal, like stepping into an alternate dimension where peace reigned supreme.
In that quiet space, I had the freedom to engage in introspection and reflection. I pondered the stories I had heard throughout the conference, the battles fought, and the victories celebrated. The weight of the issues discussed—gender-based violence, maternal health disparities, female genital mutilation (FMG) and, economic empowerment—loomed large in my mind. The quiet space provided an opportunity to process these emotions without distraction, acknowledging the immense challenges while seeking hope in the collective strength of women united by a common purpose.
In the absence of noise, my thoughts were no longer drowned out. I could hear myself clearly, and the inner voice that sometimes got lost in the tumultuous sea of external demands rose to the surface. It reminded me why I was there, why I believed in the cause, and why my voice mattered.
Time seemed to drift by unnoticed, and it was only when I reluctantly stood up to leave that I realized how profoundly the quiet space had affected me. The experience of being enveloped in silence had rejuvenated my spirit, grounding me in the essence of my purpose at the conference.
As I stepped back into the conference hall, the noise returned with a vengeance. The energy was electrifying, like a palpable force driving us all forward. But this time, something was different. The quiet space had given me strength—a newfound resilience—to face the loud agenda of women’s empowerment.
Amidst the passionate speeches and fervent debates, I felt a sense of calmness and determination. The silence from the quiet room echoed within me, reminding me that amidst the clamour, there were moments of stillness and introspection that fortified our resolve. I realized that the quiet space was not an escape from the empowering agenda but a necessary complement to it.
Throughout the rest of the conference, I found myself seeking brief moments of solitude—a quiet corner to collect my thoughts or a pause to take a deep breath. These quiet interludes became my touchstones, grounding me and allowing me to contribute to the cause with a cantered and focused mind.
As the Women Deliver conference came to a close, I left Kigali with a heart full of inspiration and a mind honed in purpose. The quiet space had provided a unique and invaluable experience, revealing that silence could be a powerful companion to the roar of women’s voices advocating for change.
And so, I carry the memory of the quiet space with me, a gentle reminder that amidst the loudest of battles, there is strength in finding solace and in the stillness, our voices find resonance.
(Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga is the Women from the South Speak Out (WOSSO) programme manager at Gender Links. This article is part of a series being produced during Women’s Month based on participation by VCSAFund grantees in the Women Deliver Conference held in Kigali in July)