FOUNDED in April 1997, Women Unite consists of eight women who have been trained in different disciplines of music, dance and drama. The band consists of marimbas, drumming, vocals and dance. The members of the acclaimed group are currently professionals in different industries, working for prominent companies and offering specialized skills that contribute to the success of Women Unite. Some members are also studying professional dance at university.
Having been exposed to the cultures of the different bands that she has been involved with, founder Thandi Swaartbooi felt that women were not getting the recognition, both financially and professionally, that they deserved considering the hard work and commitment that they displayed. "With the changes happening in our society and all over the world, the woman’s role has evolved tremendously, and this has been one of the things that inspired me to approach a number of talented young women looking to make a future for themselves in the field of Arts & Culture.", says Thandi.
The Aims and Objectives of the Group include:
1. To provide top quality local entertainment to audiences from home and abroad
2. To prove to the world that women can do it on their own and to mobilize women into becoming actively involved in organizations of dance, drama and poetry.
3. To develop leadership of women in their respective communities by encouraging them to empower themselves to become independent.
4. To educate and raise awareness of both children and adults alike about the important issues facing the world like Aids, gangsterism, homelessness, abuse (with more emphasis on women), prostitution, drugs, etc.
5. To provide the members opportunities to advance in the field of Arts & Culture and reap the financial rewards gained by the group.
6. To contribute to the growth of Tourism in the Western Cape and the whole of South Africa.
7. To promote the African culture in foreign countries and guarantee this legacy for posterity.
In 2003 and 2004 Norway funded an exchange project between Women Unite and Brazz Brothers from Norway with concerts and workshops in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Norway.
