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Prada Group joins forces with UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, to further strengthen its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The training program "Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears" provides young women with valuable knowledge and practical skills in the fashion industry.
“FASHION EXPRESSIONS: THE STORIES SHE WEARS” QUERÉTARO, MEXICO
The project involved 30 women artisans in Querétaro state (Mexico), from indigenous and surrounding communities with experience in weaving and embroidery, to strengthen their technical, artistic, and financial skills.
The participants – embroiderers and wevaers between 18 and 50 years old – are mothers who work as artisans in small family-run home workshops, usually with the help of their children, supporting their families through the sale of artisanal items Querétaro’s local markets.
Through a six-month training period, together with the local non-profit organization Nest, this project gave the fermale participants the opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage and equipped them with a greater understanding of their sexual and reproductive rights at the same time.
The training is followed up by opportunities to collaborate with companies under the guidance of fashion professionals.
The beauty of the UNFPA partnership with the Prada Group is that it places creativity at the center of building inclusive communities for women and girls. We have seen the impact of this model in Africa, using fashion to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and women’s economic empowerment, and are excited to see the results it can have for the women artisans from Querétaro, Mexico
Mariarosa Cutillo, Chief of Strategic Partnerships, UNFPA
“FASHION EXPRESSIONS: THE STORIES SHE WEARS” GHANA AND KENYA
The Prada Group, with a leading role in the fashion sector, and UNFPA, which has always been committed to promoting gender equality, formally entered into the partnership in 2021 and developed this training programme in collaboration with International Needs (Ghana), the Kitui County Government and the Kitui County Textile Center (Kenya).
At the end of the twelve months, the trainees held a fashion show to present their works in Ghana or Kenya: the perfect opportunity to get in contact with local fashion companies, start the internships process and establish long-term employment opportunities.
The training course promoted a greater understanding of women's rights and the reduction of gender inequalities. The programme provided comprehensive educational sessions in sexual and reproductive health - on topics such as menstrual health management, puberty and prevention of teenage pregnancies. In addition, participants received training in the prevention of and response to gender-based violence, equipping participants with valuable skills needed to help combat harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and child marriages.
“This training programme reflects Prada Group’s belief in fashion as a force for good. We are honoured to partner with UNFPA on this unique project to leverage the social and economic power of our industry to create more inclusive and equal societies.”
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Marketing Director & Head of Corporate Social Responsibility
“We are excited to continue deepening our partnership with UNFPA to mentor and empower the next generation of female artists through the “Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears” project. It is a privilege for Prada Group to play a role in expanding the opportunities available to aspiring young designers from around the world.”
Malika Savell, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Prada Group, The Americas
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