Prada's Fashion Expressions Program Uses Fashion Education to Fight Gender Based Violence

Since 2021, Prada has partnered with UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, on the "Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears" project. It's a program that aims to empower women and girls around the world through fashion. After successful launches in Ghana and, Kenya this year, Fashion Expressions moved to Mexico for the first time. The idea is to provide practical fashion and marketing skills to facilitate long term work opportunities – while also providing education on reproductive rights to reduce vulnerabilities around gender inequality. The 30 women artisans in Mexico's Querétaro state, who completed six months of the program, are skilled in embroidery and weaving – running businesses out of their homes and local markets. The program aims to help them grow their businesses and skill sets sustainably.

“The fashion industry is a key driver of economic growth and development globally,” Mariarosa Cutillo, UNFPA's Chief of the Strategic Partnerships Branch tells Teen Vogue about the partnership with Prada. “It is an integral and influential part of each and every one of our lives, which allows people to express their individuality, creativity, and confidence. Through clothing and style choices, women can communicate their identity, beliefs, and personality. Through the power of expression and its impact in societies, fashion can also be utilized as a vehicle to challenge societal norms and stereotypes, particularly harmful traditions and norms that undermine human rights and hinder the well-being of people.”

There are 94 million workers employed in the garment industry and women make up a majority (anywhere from 60-80% depending on the region). Still, women do not hold the positions of power throughout the industry and the opaque nature of the supply chain can often lead to harassment, exploitation and violence. While the program is about growing skills and job placements, Cutillo says it's also about prioritizing the perspectives of women as a way for change.

"We also provide training on business models which are not only sustainable but also inclusive, celebrating women's perspectives and acknowledging their invaluable contributions to not only their community, but also the broader fashion industry," she explains. “Our hope is that the program will have a long-lasting positive impact on the women who participate, particularly in enabling them to live a life with full autonomy and free from gender-based violence and the harsh realities of the unequal world we live in."

Learn more about "Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears" here.