BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE: Habiba Abdulrahman Hemed’s Sustainable Legacy In

The Fashion, Upcycling And Climate Action Advocacy

By Peter Kinuthia Murimi

Mrs. Earth and Water, CSR Luminary, Sustainability Maven – these titles merely scratch the surface of Habiba Abdulrahman Hemed’s multifaceted persona. Hers is a story of a young woman who, armed with compassion and a fierce commitment to our planet, is rewriting the narrative of sustainability in fashion, climate action, and social change in Africa, the UAE, and beyond.

In a world often dazzled by glamour, titles, and fleeting fame, there are those rare individuals who transcend the spotlight to ignite lasting social change for the greater benefit of our planet. Habiba is one such extraordinary force, and her journey is nothing short of remarkable. With a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom and a National Diploma in Business Administration from Nilai University in Malaysia, Habiba's educational foundation in business management has fortified her quest for sustainability in fashion.

Hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Kenya to conquering runways in the UAE, Habiba's story defies boundaries and expectations. From the dusty streets of Nairobi's communities to the glitzy runways in the UAE, Habiba's influence transcends the boundaries of the catwalk. She's not just a beauty queen; she's a trailblazing advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry, a visionary in the world of fashion, and a relentless climate activist. Her impact knows no bounds. As the crowned Mrs. Earth and Water (2nd Runners Up) and a distinguished CSR luminary in the

United Arab Emirates, Habiba's achievements could easily rest on accolades alone. However, hers is a sustainability champion and advocate that extends far beyond titles and applause and reflect not just her beauty and grace but her profound dedication to our planet. In the world of sustainability and eco-conscious advocacy, there are few stories as inspiring and impactful as that of Habiba.

But what truly sets Habiba apart is the story behind her accolades, the driving force that led her to found "Trashion Kenya." Habiba's journey is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and a resolute commitment to driving change in the most innovative ways. Habiba's story is a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when passion meets purpose.

AN EXCLUSIVE GLIMPSE INTO HABIBA'S SUSTAINABLE TRIUMPH

TRC: Your journey from winning the title of Mrs. Earth

UAE Water and CSR Advocate to becoming a sustainability advocate is inspiring. Could you share what inspired your passion for sustainability and climate activism?

Habiba: My passion for sustainability and climate activism was ignited by witnessing the environmental devastation in Kenya. Inspired by the beauty of nature and repurposed fashion, I became a youth advocate and climate activist. Joining Mrs. Earth UAE as the Water title and CSR Ambassador was an opportunity to raise awareness about fashion's environmental impact. Winning offers a platform to inspire sustainable practices. As Mrs. Earth UAE Delegates, we champion Women of The Earth foundation's philanthropic CSR and environmental initiatives, striving to create a greener world.

TRC: Trashion Kenya is an intriguing initiative. Can you tell us more about it and how it contributes to sustainability and circularity in the fashion industry? How does it promote sustainable fashion practices and encourage a circular economy within this sector?

Habiba: Trashion Kenya: Revolutionizing fashion with sustainability and circularity. This initiative educates on fashion's environmental impact and fosters sustainable practices. Its focus on climate education highlights fashion's links to fossil fuels and water pollution. Addressing the global south's burden of textile dumping, it champions climate justice. Trashion Kenya promotes material reuse and supports waste transformation into art. It inspires youth and encourages innovation, creativity, and eco-friendliness, paving the way for a circular economy. Join the movement for a greener fashion future.

TRC: Are there any particular success stories or moments in your sustainability journey that stand out to you as especially meaningful?

Habiba: In my sustainability journey, certain moments stand out, etching deep into my heart. I recall my first Trashion Kenya project, where we introduced a club at Sandpiper International School, fostering environmental awareness and sparking creativity in junior students. Their upcycled art won admiration from Italian artist Armando Tanzini, reflecting the power of sustainability in art. Trashion Kenya's commitment to environmental conservation earned us a certificate from Italian Ambassador Alberto Pieri during the Leonardo Da Vinci 500th anniversary event. The pride of seeing our art purchased by

Armando Tanzini exemplified our Mrs. Earth UAE Water and CSR Advocate.

My journey also led me to the inspiring Power Women in Kibra Slum, where HIV-positive women turned waste into empowerment and income. Learning their craft and documenting their stories shed light on the transformative impact of sustainability. Partnerships with organizations like Futbolmas Kenya and the Kibra Food Drive demonstrated the far-reaching potential of Trashion Kenya in supporting communities and environmental causes. These collective efforts, including my recognition as Mrs. Earth UAE Water and CSR Ambassador, fuel my unwavering commitment to sustainability. These moments inspire a deeper passion for a more sustainable and vibrant future. Together, we can continue crafting a world where sustainability thrives, leaving an indelible mark of positive change.

TRC: What are some of the challenges you've faced in promoting sustainability in Kenya and the UAE, and how have you worked to overcome them through Trashion Kenya? Habiba: In both Kenya and the UAE, changing perceptions about sustainable fashion's style, accessibility, and affordability has been a challenge. Ethical concerns and competition made me more discerning in my collaborations. COVID-19 disrupted Trashion Kenya's journey, but partnering with the Green Futures Initiative for virtual education helped us adapt. Attending climate justice camps and collaborating with activists from 100+ global south countries boosted our movement. Overcoming outreach challenges, we leverage social media to expose fast fashion's impact, collaborate with organizations against the fossil fuel industry, and showcase sustainable fashion's beauty through visuals. Despite challenges like funding, our ambitious vision includes youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and community development. In the UAE, finding sustainability jobs as a young expat posed challenges, but roles with Thrift for Good and Fashion Revolution UAE allowed me to contribute to charity projects, change perceptions of preloved clothing, and engage with the sustainability community. Panel participation, event attendance, and collaborations expanded my network and influence. I eagerly anticipate my role as the Mrs. Earth UAE Water and CSR ambassador. More networking and panel discussions will amplify the sustainable fashion movement and support Trashion Kenya's development. Through these opportunities, I've journeyed to inspire positive change in the sustainability industry, and together, we can continue making a difference!

EMBARKING TOGETHER: HABIBA'S CALL TO ACTION FOR SUSTAINABLE CHANGE

In her closing message, Habiba encourages a collective journey towards a more sustainable, circular world through conscious consumerism. Habiba advocates for supporting ethical and sustainable brands while shunning environmentally detrimental fast fashion. She emphasizes quality over quantity, endorsing second-hand and upcycled fashion. The call is to reduce waste via mindful consumption and recycling. Habiba urges education and inspiration of sustainable practices for community-wide change. In her vision, every small action contributes to a future where sustainability and circularity are the norms, paving the way for impactful change, one step at a time.