International Women's Day 2024 - Inspire Inclusion
The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.
When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
This year we have decided to feature 8 inspiring fashion designers across the continent who've been making waves through sustainable fashion and ethical inclusive practices.
1. Hanifa by Anifa Muvemba
Congolese designer Anifa Mvuemba gained fame with her innovative 3D fashion show in 2021, blending fashion and technology. Founder of Hanifa, she's renowned for ready-to-wear designs for women of all sizes. Her debut show at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington drew over 20,000 viewers on YouTube. Mvuemba also champions women's empowerment through The Hanifa Dream, supporting organizations that elevate fashion with passion and purpose.
2. Sonia Mugabo by Sonia Mugabo
Born and raised in Kigali, Rwanda, Sonia Mugabo developed a passion for fashion early on, drawn to the intricacies of design. Excelling academically, she immersed herself in creative classes, solidifying her commitment to design. Graduating in the arts, she returned to Rwanda in 2013, launching her eponymous brand. Over the past decade, she's empowered local artisans, crafting high-quality "Made in Rwanda" garments renowned for their versatility, detail, and fabric. Sonia Mugabo stands as a pioneer in Rwanda's fashion scene, shaping its global and local presence with elegant, timeless creations.
3. Christie Brown by Aisha Ayensu
Christie Brown was founded in March 2008 by Aisha Ayensu, a Ghanaian fashion designer and creative director.
The luxury brand, which is named after Ayensu’s grandmother, makes innovative and unique women’s ready-to-wear apparel and accessories. When designing for Christie Brown, Ayensu reimagines traditional clothing and modernizes it for today’s audience
4.Ahluwalia by Priya Ahluwalia
Priya Ahluwalia, founder of Ahluwalia, blends her Nigerian and Indian heritage to create award-winning menswear. She received the LMVH prize in 2020 and the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design in 2021. Ahluwalia prioritizes sustainability, often using vintage and dead-stock clothing in her designs.
5. Loza Maléombho by Loza Maléombho
Loza Maléombho is an Brazil-born Ivorian fashion designer who has been designing since she was 13.
After interning in world-renowned fashion labels in New York City, she decided to establish her own label in 2009. Maléombho now creates clothing and accessories that combine traditional African aesthetics with modern contemporary fashion.
She also works with local artisans from Ivory Coast, including shoemakers and weavers, to incorporate their trade in her collections.
6.Tongoro by Sarah Diouf
Founded in 2016 by Sarah Diouf, a woman of Senegalese, Central African, and Congolese heritage, Tongoro is a ready-to-wear womenswear brand that produces playful and unique apparel. Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, Tongoro sources their materials from artisans across Africa, and Diouf makes sure to work with local tailors as a way of fostering the economic development of artisans on the continent.
7. Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung
Palesa is very passionate about empowering young designers and imparting knowledge and skills because she understands the gap that exists between fashion schools and the industry. In 2019 she mentored 10 young designers from the Eastern Cape for the annual Buyelekhaya fashion show festival.
Mantsho was established in 2004 and her designs are a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic which leaves a woman feeling comfortable and sophisticated. Mantsho design house makes clothes that embody African finesse and is inspired by a generation of Africans that are both global and still embrace their culture through their love for bespoke garments, prints and textile.
8. TULI Brands by Suzanne Kilolo
Kenyan born Suzanne Kilolo founded TULI Brands in 2021.The brand name 'TULI' is a derivative her middle name, 'Nthule' passed down from her paternal grandmother and pays homage to her late mum, an absolute lover of all things style and fashion.
At the heart of the brands' ethos lies an unwavering commitment to precision craftsmanship, manifested through meticulous attention to detail and the curation of bespoke designs.
Working exclusively with local tailors, TULI Brands stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of African artistry and the indomitable spirit of feminine allure.
With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women's Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn't country, group or organization specific. It's a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women's equality.
When women aren't present, we must ask: "If not, why not?"
When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice.
When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action.
And we must do this each time, every time.
Happy International Women's Day!