Women@ Dior Magazine (2023 Edition)

T HROUGH OUR EYES

A retrospective of the 2023 UNESCO & Women@Dior Global Conference by the Mentees

Josephine

Edito

Dear readers – Mentees, Mentors and supporters of women’s empowerment,

It is with great pleasure that I reflect back on the 2023 edition of the UNESCO & Women@Dior Global Conference, held at the UNESCO Paris headquarters on March 8th. In the context of current international events which have been shaken by threats to women’s fundamental rights and freedoms on all continents, this event served as a reminder of the power of the bond of sisterhood and the universality of words and deeds in favor of women’s emancipation. Women@Dior is more than just a program of Mentorship and Education. It is a community of over 2500 Mentees and Mentors from 60 countries all over the world, a sisterhood united by a common vision: the conviction that each of you, young women, must be able to take her destiny into her own hands and do everything possible to achieve her professional dream. And most of you dream of changing the world.

The Dream for Change project is the reflection of this. Since last year, we have asked Mentees to build concrete projects in favor of women’s autonomy, and create a positive impact for their sisters in their local environment. And I must say that I am impressed by their commitment, their generosity, and their creativity in pushing boundaries.

On March 8th, our exceptional jury, presided by Dior’s Women’s Collections Artistic Director Maria Grazia Chiuri, chose Sisterhood Abroad – represented by Amah Mbatsogo – and Green Craft Academy – represented by Happy Itros – to receive the support of Dior in pursuing their incredible work towards the emancipation of girls and women. My dream for the next generation is just that: it is for women to be free, empowered and then reach the top.

Christian Dior was the Designer of Dreams. Let’s be, together, the Designers of Sustainable Futures.

Emmanuelle Favre, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Christian Dior Couture

This magazine is made up of words and collages created during workshops by the Mentees who took part in the UNESCO & Women@Dior 2023 Global Conference.

It recounts the event as seen through their eyes, with an open heart. Read about the dreams that drive them, the Mentors who inspire them, and their goal to design more sustainable futures for us all.

Collective ESSAY Collectiveessay

The theme of this year’s UNESCO & Women@Dior Global Conference was “Women Designing Sustainable Futures”. How do our Mentees see this topic, as they enter the professional world ready to make a contribution that will further women’s emancipation?

FOUR BILLION VOICES, but how many of them are really being heard? Exiled, isolated, cast out. As women, we need to get out in order for others to let us in. Women’s voices have been silenced all over the world, especially in Iran, the United States and Afghanistan. So what does it take to be heard? We have so much to contribute when it comes to reshaping the future in a way that would benefit everyone. Humor us for a moment...

We want a world in which both men and women understand feminism. A world in which we can embrace ourselves while accepting others, without prejudice or compromise. Our characteristics should not determine how much freedom we can seek, nor how much space we can take up. We want a world without fear, one in which women can make mistakes and rise above them, without being judged. We want a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights. A world in which our differences are celebrated and valued, rather than weaponized against us. We want to create a sustainable future not only for our 4 billion sisters; we want to include humanity in our vision of the future. Are we there yet? We’re not even close.

Let’s go back to reality, to the way things are for women here and now. For the first time in history, female CEOs account for 10% of Fortune 500 companies. Rather than focusing on the real issue, we let our selves believe that this figure is encouraging and satisfying. We’re collecting data, to check a box. Not only are the figures low and growing at an alarmingly slow pace, but quotas and statistics undermine the struggles and achievements that lie behind each small step. Despite the rise of digitization and the need to construct a technology-driven future, only 30% of female university students are enrolled in STEM courses. We’re moving towards the idea of creating more virtual worlds, but we’re making the same mistakes all

Collectiveessay

over again. There aren’t enough women in key digital industries. We should be part of the new narrative, with an active role designing digital assets. Even when we are included, women tend to keep quiet for fear of making mistakes that will define them and stay with them. Men have never been held to these same standards. So, no, we’re not there yet.

How can we change the course of history for good? We have two critical assets to help us reach the level of sustainability we need: an empowered mindset and education. Women today need to have a dual-powered mindset, not only driven by conviction, but also able to confidently embrace their inherent femininity. They should be fearless, and also true to themselves. At the very least, they should be trying.

We want to rethink what it means to be successful. Power and money are secondary to personal fulfillment. The triple bottom line approach is critical, with a focus on the planet and people, as well as profit. More women need to be involved in digital innovation, particularly at the design and research stages. If we want a world that looks like us, more female scientists, researchers, designers, and engineers need to be involved in its conception. It is crucial that we move away from the individual and towards the collective, including men.

We are Women@Dior Mentees, but we are more than just individuals in a group. Each of us has a distinct personality that influences our community. Each of us represents a collective opportunity, not just for ourselves, but for all women. Women@Dior enables us to realize our dreams and redefines what success means to us. We’re not there yet, but we’ll forge ahead calmly, and with determination.

A single voice cannot be heard: Let’s switch from «I» to «We». 4 billion voices working together will get us there.

Words of WISDOM

What words from the UNESCO stage resonated most with the Mentees? What takeaways will guide them on their journey? We look back at the speakers’ insights, and ask the Mentees about the words of wisdom they took to heart.

XUE NA

«From Maria Grazia Chiuri, I learned that women should not feel guilty for making mistakes; men rarely do. It’s OK to fail and start again.»

ALEXIS "What a pleasure to listen to Hafsat Abiola, President of Women in Africa: not only for the profundity of her words, but also for the strength that they gave me. As a woman, I feel like I live in a society where it is difficult to have my rights respected, to be recognized as a human being and especially to hold a position of power. Hearing her words gave me the courage that I lacked: she made me realize that it’s possible to realize a dream driven by love, sincerity and support."

MAÏWEN

"The speaker who really encouraged me to write today is Women@Dior 2022 Mentee Amah Mbatsogo with her beautiful project Sisterhood Abroad. Women are always the first victims of migration. Fighting for their integration is so important. It encourages me to invest myself more in charity work and projects like this one: simple, human, open-minded and with a real impact on the lives of those women."

SHUTI "Rewriting the rules of a male-dominated industry, Chanakya School, created by today’s speaker Karishma Swali, helps to empower women from less privileged backgrounds in India, and to transform their lives through crafts and art. As someone who comes from a very patriarchal society, I am truly inspired by how craft, culture and women’s empowerment came together in this project, to create a better future and sustainable social environment."

CHENG

«The most inspiring session for me was the conversation between Charles Delapalme, and Monika Figlewicz, President of Christian Dior China. I was moved by the compliment that Charles Delapalme paid Monika, when he showed confidence and trust in her abilities and acknowledged her regardless of her gender. “I chose her not because she is a woman, not in spite of the fact that she is a woman, but because she is the best.” I hope one day I will hear similar words from my Mentor.»

LEEN "Hyojeong Kim, Founder of NomadHer, was very real and transparent about her personal experience as a woman traveling on her own. Her talk on stage gave me a push, and the curiosity to face a fear that I was raised with, as a woman: “because you’re a girl, you have to have someone with you all the time.” Now I want to prove that, as a girl, I don’t need anybody to be with me in order to feel safe."

MARIE "If I had to choose one speaker who really moved me, it would be Maud Caillaux, Founder & CEO of GreenGot. I follow her on social media and I find the way she has combined her convictions with a sustainable new business model very inspiring. Moreover in finance, which is a male-dominated world, you have to constantly prove yourself. She was very young when she created her company but this didn’t stop her from fighting for her goal."

GABRIELLE "Cwenga Koyana, Founder of Talitha Together, Dream for Change winner of 2022, made me feel grateful for being a woman. Cwenga strongly believes that women do not lose their potential for success when they become mothers."

MANISHA "I was impressed by Karishma Swali; the pride she takes in her country’s art and craftsmanship, and her work in bringing it to a global platform. She had a vision and she made it happen – showcasing how she not only believed in the art of embroidery of India, but also believed in her vision. It teaches us to take action and show the world that authenticity is key."

CAROLINE "I loved how Hafsat Abiola told us about her vision for elevating women on the continent and bringing more African women into leadership positions. One thing she said particularly resonated with me: “if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. That statement felt true to my work and personal experiences, being supported by, and supporting, other women."

ALICIA

"Amah Mbatsogo really inspired me today. Her team’s project is extremely relevant: caring for women who have come from elsewhere and helping them build connections with local women is very powerful. It helps them to feel at home and get used to their new country and its traditions. Even though there are of course cultural differences – and as utopian as it sounds – the Earth should be for everyone to share."

MARIE "Amah Mbatsogo impressed me very much. I am personally touched by her organization, Sisterhood Abroad, because I work in the field of architecture, currently on the construction of a center for homeless immigrant women. I’m trying to understand these women’s needs; how can they integrate into our society? How can we help them to feel comfortable? How can our society better accept them? Just as I am doing through architecture, she is trying to create a link between them and us."

LAHRA

"The relationship between Karishma Swali and Maria Grazia Chiuri was incredible. They were on the same page, cared about each other so much, and showed that they are taking action together, for what they both believe in."

LETTER to the next class of Mentees

As a community of young women who have come together around the idea of sisterhood, the Women@Dior Mentees turn their attention to those who will be next to join the program. A sisterly time capsule, turning Mentees into Mentors for their successors.

Dear Sisters, Let these words, penned on March 8th, 2023, act as a time capsule. Imagine waking up, feeling apprehensive yet excited, not knowing what’s to come. Between transport strikes for French retirement rights, and Paris Fashion Week, our commute to UNESCO headquarters was challenging enough. But walking through those doors marked the start of a new journey.

You are about to meet so many future sisters from different parts of the world. From this point on, the lines blur between fan and brand ambassador, as we’re all one step closer to achieving our common goals: female empowerment and building a more sustainable future. Nervous icebreakers and awkward smiles are met with shy hellos, but we remind ourselves that we’ve all worked extremely hard to get here. Despite our different backgrounds, we begin to feel relieved as we discover our special bond.

“In times when conflicts divide, have the courage to lead with kindness and empathy.”

Nora

We are 19 women, dreaming of change through solidarity, support, and care.

As women, we all have our own horror stories, and we all face situations where our freedom is taken away from us. We have been through incidents that make us feel unsafe or not heard and understood. We are judged for our decisions, strength, intelligence, and bodies. One issue common to women worldwide, is the underestimation of our power. We all have different backgrounds. You may have faced situations where you were not welcomed or forbidden from sharing your decisions and thoughts, or in which you were not invited to express yourself freely. This must have made you feel helpless, as if your legitimacy had been questioned. You felt inferior because of the fear of society.

Take care of yourself by prioritizing yourself. Stand up for yourself. Explore and learn who you want to be. Step outside, show courage and bring other women together for the greater good.

“You are more than what you think, you deserve love, you deserve to shine. You have dreams and you are right.” Marie-Louise

“Be open, let new ideas, people, and values come in.” Christina

Creativity and inspiration will be the key drivers along your journey. Indeed, we are living in a world of mass consumption where our lifestyles tend to be the same. Our ideas need to be truly singular if we want them to be successful and reflect our own voices. You can use your differences to learn from each other, foster your creativity, and enhance each other’s ideas.

Through the Dream for Change Project, we advise you to inspire each other to create a powerful initiative that would help and empower young women. Use your leadership, don’t hesitate to raise your voice. Trust your ideas, and carry them all the way through. The experience of Gillian Schuyler, one of the 2022 Dream for Change finalists, is particularly inspiring. Faced with a lot of “nos”, her belief in her project never wavered.

Our hope for you, dear future sisters, is to change the world and empower your fellow sisters while learning to love yourself. On the way to this heartwarming experience, the first step to selflove is knowing who you are and embracing that person. Many of us packed our lives into a suitcase, and moved across the world alone, without knowing anyone, or the language of the country we chose to live in.

Our generation of women stretches beyond borders, language, and cultural differences to unite the future leaders of tomorrow. We are learning to take care of ourselves the same way we care for those we love. We hope you can meet the waves of change with courage and resilience. Remember that no matter where you come from, you can grow into whoever you dream of being.

“Don’t give up. Believe in changes. The world will change if you show courage to express yourself.” Veda

“Don’t be afraid to take roads that are less traveled.” Isabella

Magazine created by Gaze Studio for Isabelle Faggianelli and Anaëlle Prioux at Christian Dior Couture, with contents by the Women@Dior Mentees.

The “Collective essay” was collectively written by: Laetitia Bonhomme, Stella Dahlia Chamko, Valentina Gaiardelli, Moushmi Jiandan, Ghalia Lahlou, Lea Melki, Shruti Narain, Maria Sarkis, Beatrice So, Aurelia Vaillant, Marcela Viana Teixeira. A workshop led by Elise Garcia.

The “Words of wisdom” were written by: Manisha Bhaskar Raju, Maïwen Capiaux, Yanying Cheng, Caroline Deng, Soukaina Ettajani Pederzoli, Xue Na Jing, Leen Lakkis, Clarita Moawad, Alicia Nguyen, Shruti Patwal, Chiara Riezzo, Gabrielle Sureau, Marie Vienet, Sofia Villamizar, Alexis Nicole Cardillo, Maron Theunis, Marie Le Calvez, Lahra Nafaf. A workshop led by Clarissa Serafim.

The “Letter to the next cohort of Women@Dior Mentees” was collectively written by: Luisa Arens, Liz Bonher, Nora Boudgène, Isabella Elena Carrozzi, Oriana D’Amato, Ophélie Derval, Christina Georges, Charlotte Hazotte, Ruby Jeltsch, Vedashree Kane, Marie-Louise Lebeau, Laura Matsuzaki, Yunue Mu, Annabel Roest, Hilal Sarsour, Agueda Trigo Valverde. A workshop led by Elisa Palmer & Liliane Ehrhart.

The collage workshop attendees were Sophia Alexandre, Ninon Annosse, Martina Bessi, Lena Block, Joséphine Boye, Malena Cruz Darricau, Dia Dikel, Paola Firringeri, Clara Gonnord, Marina Kabisova, Maïwen Lemaire, Katalina Moreno, Lina Ouelhadj, Claudia Rodriguez Mendoza, Barbara Stachowicz, Katharina Werner, Elena Ziemann, Kshitija Adhangale, Emma Baron, Zayane Boucher, Carolina Demuner, Pauline Derriey, Céline Filliol, Guo Jie, Anaelle Juquel, Amani Mokadem, Constanza Ogalde, Shamita Ojha, Sara Pedrazzoli, Luisa Schuster, Shakila Tizro, Elizaveta Yudina, Julia Zimmer, Natalia Tamames. A workshop led by Ludovic Eliot, Barbara Colas and Amina Zelaci, using donated magazines and illustrations by Ondine E. and photographs by Amina Zelaci.