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Ndabagobetse is not only a ‘Sex in the City’ columnist Gazette of Antwerp, but also the driving force behind Radio City. BAP stands for Bizz (showbiz and Business), Art and Politics. It takes place at the Ikon event location in Antwerp. It is a well-filled program with female entrepreneurs who introduce themselves at a BAP entrepreneurial market. Various women from different fields receive an award. The highlight is a political debate with seven female politicians on the panel, such as ministers Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) and Caroline Gennez (Vooruit). All this is alternated with performances.
Where does the idea come from?
Ndabagobetse: “My work brings me into contact with many different groups. And you sometimes catch something here and there. Young people, including those with a migration background, are really concerned with their future and that is part of politics. Only politics isn’t really sexy, is it? I want to do something about that. The highlight of Sunday is the political debate with seven national female leaders intertwined with entertainment that I will moderate. I think this is the first time that an all-female political debate has been held.”
You explicitly chose to focus on women?
“Because women are strong and fierce. There are many women active in various fields, but they are not always recognized for their achievements. You see the same names over and over again in the media. Our nominees are very diverse, so you will discover a woman you didn’t know yet in each category. The fact that we are now bringing them into contact with each other at BAP was very important to me.”
You had an inkling that there was a need for this event. Has this suspicion already been confirmed?
“Yes. (enthusiastic) People could vote for the nominees via the website. 15,000 people have already done this in just five days. This number even surprised me and proves the need. Hopefully, the existing and established award shows in Flanders will also pay more attention to diversity in the choice of their nominees in the future.”
Who is welcome at the event?
“Everyone. I know that many young people come through our partner YUE, a youth organization, and the exhibitors have also invited their people. More than half of the nominees are present with their partners. You can still reserve a place via our website, but you have to be quick.”
The event is free?
“That is a conscious choice, because we want to inform young people and that should not cost money. We do all this without subsidies. I have achieved this thanks to collaborations with, among others, Ikon, Infinity Artwerp, Beoabank on the Turnhoutsebaan in Deurne, MealsOnline, Gazette of Antwerp and Radio City.”
Will it remain with one edition?
“Ask me again after April 28, because at the moment I am focused on the very first edition of BAP Step by step, I always say.”
Info: BAP, Sunday April 28 from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., IKON, Straatsburgdok-Noordkaai 3 in Antwerp: www.bap-antwerp.com
“Young people, including those with a migration background, are really concerned with their future and that is simply part of politics.”
Thalie Ndabagobetse
Organizer BAP
Tags: Thalia Ndabagobetse focuses young people women BAP event women recognized achievements Antwerp
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