Sharmila Elias Honored with 2025 Women of Substance Award

 

Sharmila Elias, Executive Director of Dusty Orange Projects (Dope), has been recognized with a 2025 Women of Substance Award (Wosa) in the Arts and Culture category.

With over 20 years of experience in the creative industries, Elias has played key roles in conservation, eco-tourism, and festival and film production. She is the driving force behind the annual Lake of Stars (LoS) Festival.

Elias expressed her honor and gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the award is a testament to the impact of the arts and culture sector in Malawi's development. She dedicated the award to all the women who have supported her throughout her journey.

Elias encouraged young women and men to keep striving for excellence, saying that awards like Wosa help individuals recognize their worth. The Women of Substance Awards celebrate exceptional women who have made positive influences and produced outstanding results in their respective sectors.

In related news, Elias announced that the Lake of Stars Festival will return this year, with an announcement on the venue and dates expected later this month