Poetry as Activism with Loraine Masiya Mponela

In this introductory workshop, poet and activistLoraine Masiya Mponela will inspire you to use your poetic voice as a tool for activism.

Sharing her experiences of how her own poetry intersects with her work as a Migrants Rights campaigner and community organiser, Loraine will help you to spotlight and shout out about the issues that matter to you.Loraine Masiya Mponela is a migrant rights campaigner, community organiser, author, public speaker, and advocate for equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Born in Malawi and raised by her maternal grandmother, she now lives in Coventry, England.

Loraine holds a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Leeds and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health from the University of Malawi.

Her professional experience includes working as a Lecturer and Head of Department at the Malawi College of Health Sciences, as well as a Participatory Action Researcher with the Creative Centre for Community Mobilisation (CRECCOM), where she worked to improve educational outcomes and promote community-led approaches to change across Malawi.An accomplished writer and poet, Loraine is the author of three poetry collections: My Accent (2026) , Now I Sing: 50 Poems to Celebrate 50 Years (2024), and I Was Not Born a Sad Poet (2022).

Through her writing, advocacy, and public engagement, she amplifies underrepresented voices and raises awareness of the impact of hostile environment policies on refugees, migrants, and minoritised communities.

Her work has been published by organisations and publications including The Guardian, Foundation, Fumbalist, The Oxford Journal, and Shado Magazine among others.Drawing on her lived experience, Loraine is a passionate advocate for human rights, dignity, belonging, and equal opportunities.

She works to challenge systemic barriers and promote greater understanding of the experiences of refugees and migrants, particularly those living with precarious immigration status.

Her approach is rooted in compassion, active listening, community empowerment, and the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.Loraine's leadership and contribution to advancing inclusion and social change have been recognised both nationally and internationally.

She is the recipient of the inaugural Pioneer20 Award by Visa and was recognised as an Everyday Hero and Modern Day Lady Godiva by Coventry City of Culture 2021, among other honours.A proud mother and grandmother, Loraine continues to inspire communities through her advocacy, creativity, and commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society.