Luxury conglomerate Prada Group has expanded its women's empowerment programme in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to Mexico. The initiative, known as 'Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears', aims to utilize fashion as a platform to promote women's empowerment and sexual reproductive health.
Previously implemented in Ghana and Kenya, where 43 participants benefited from the programme, the project has now reached Mexico. The focus will be on 30 women artisans in Querétaro state, with the objective of enhancing their technical, artistic, and financial skills to enhance their prospects in the fashion industry.
The selected participants, aged between 18 to 50, were previously engaged in independent work within family structures or small workshops, selling crafts at local markets. Through the 'Fashion Expressions' programme, these women will undergo six-month training sessions and workshops led by fashion professionals.
One of the key components of the training will be to empower the participants to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Additionally, a partnership with nonprofit organization Nest will provide the women with business development skills and financial literacy to support their entrepreneurial ventures and achieve economic independence.
The ultimate goal of the programme is to equip these women with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure employment opportunities with local fashion houses, thereby enhancing their economic prospects and contributing to their overall empowerment.
