Changing Narratives Through Conscious Art on Pre-loved Denims.
DNM PRJ, a sustainable fashion initiative by The AJALA Project.
Throughout history, the place of women in our society has been a subject of discussion for many militants of human rights. For many decades, the role of women was restricted to their maternal aptitudes and they were diminished to the second rank when it came to social, political, and economic matters. Despite the amount of improvement conducted regarding women rights, it is important to note that all around the world, women are still among the most oppressed individuals and a lot of the time their stories are not heard.
According to the WHO, approximately 35% of women and girls are subject to physical and/or sexual abuse at least once in their live. This data in itself shows the importance for this subject to be addressed. In a society where women empowerment is one of the most efficient tools to solve the issue, platforms such as The AJALA Project are an important limb for improvement.
Founded by Bayo Hassan Bello, The AJALA project is an Art Platform that sparks awareness upon social causes and promotes the oneness of different artists from around the world. Eponymous to a famous Nigerian explorer from the 50s, the main goal behind the Ajala project is to create a positive impact on marginalized communities, while cultivating a message of tolerance. Through the online sales of artworks and through various art events, the Ajala project is keen to stand as a platform for emerging artist; « I realize that there was a missing platform for emerging artist who have stories to tell, and for inspiring people to have their stories seen by the world » said Bayo Hassan.
So far, this incredible Art Platform has raised awareness for countless causes, made over 500 art and social impact initiatives possible around the world and have empowered 150 change-makers, including artists and creatives.
One of the topics that have always been a talking point for the Ajala Project is the part women play in our society. Through different empowerment measures such as the Global Women in Leadership by Naseba or the emancipation of girls through education with Dubai Cares, the Art platform is keen to support women from around the world « Over 60% of our artists are women; in most our programs, activations, exhibitions, and events; we always ensure to strive for equal representation. » said Bayo Hassan.
Where many will feel the pressure to turn a blank eye on the issue, it is primordial to point out our responsibility as a conscious collective; it is our duty to speak out loud for those who can’t and to strives for social, political and economic equality between sexes. Through the partnership of both women and men to produce sustainable solutions for such important causes, our society will finally find the balance. As said by Sahle-Work Zwede, the first female president of Ethiopia « I am a product of people who fought for equality and political freedom in this country, and I will work hard to serve them, If you thought I spoke a lot about women already, know that I am just getting started. », this previous quote testifies the importance of empowering young women as a way to build a beneficial society for future generations.
Napoleon said, « Give me a good mother, and I will give you a good nation », it is by empowering the woman of today, that the young girls and boys of tomorrow will grow with a mindful sight upon one of the most important values of a society: fairness. Indeed, women are one of the most powerful factors generating a great nation, but it is essential to highlight the different ways to empower women to achieve this end result. Through education and a strong support system, the collective must be keen to strengthen women’s knowledge upon their own capacities and values.
One of the most interesting measures taken by the Ajala Project that covers those two pillars is the DNM PRJ, a sustainable fashion initiative. Through the mean of campaigns, commercials, and collaboration with artists, designers, and photographers; the initiative aims to empower women and youth through caused based art on pre owned denim apparel.
With a total of 32 different design from 6 emerging artists from the Middle East or Africa, each collection will empower and reinterpret the story of 10 women from East and West Africa, from which every resource raised will serve to provide education and a better way of life to victims of abuse. On the 8th of March 2019, the Ajala project will launch the DMN PRJ (Denim Project) via a featured promotional video on their social media platforms.
In a patriarchal society where women’s rights are addressed with an ideological tone and without any stable answers. More than ever, the public needs to join around platforms such as the Ajala project in order to assure an equal share of responsibilities and representation between sexes. The woman needs to feel empowered and supported by the public in order to find her voice and her place in today’s world.
Written by Marie-Pierre Mavioga.
Edited: Roxanne Barakat.
DNM PRJ is grateful for the support of the following contributors:
Ria, Edmund , Humaira , Nori , David, Shadab, Roxy, Ash, Taqa, itsmeHasoon, Ari, TFG, Young Habibti, Josh, Moh , Korri, Ray, Tumi, Slav, Harold & Friends.
