Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears Launches Its Third Chapter Empowering Global Communities Through Fashion
Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears, the partnership between Prada Group and the United Nations Population Fund, continues to make strides in empowering women through fashion. Launched in Mexico in 2023 after successful editions in Ghana and Kenya in 2022, this program is entering a new developmental phase starting April 2025 and extending until February 2026.
The upcoming edition will involve 46 artisans from Querétaro, Mexico, including 26 who participated last year. They will be joined by 20 new recruits, young women aged between 25 and 28, who are skilled in embroidery and craftsmanship. Marking a first for the program, former participants will mentor the new cohort, fostering a community of knowledge sharing and support among women in their localities.
This unique initiative places fashion at the heart of women’s empowerment. It aims to nurture talent, combat gender-based violence, and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services, thereby enhancing the well-being and economic independence of the participants. The program’s peer-to-peer learning model will be split into two phases: the initial six months focus on developing technical and creative skills, while the latter part includes practical sessions with industry experts to create a fashion collection.
Participants will delve into various aspects of the fashion industry, from design techniques to production, emphasizing the preservation of traditional crafts and the adoption of sustainable practices. Additionally, the program will offer business development and financial literacy modules to equip the women to manage their own enterprises effectively.
The training will also address gender equality and human rights, with specific lessons on preventing gender-based violence and providing essential information on counseling and support services. This holistic approach integrates various aspects of women’s health and rights, underlining the commitment to improving their lives comprehensively.
