HIGHLIGHTS
Purpose and Values
Prada Group collaborates with UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, to strength its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The pilot programme "Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears", is a twelve-month training that aims to provide young women from Ghana and Kenya with valuable knowledge and practical skills in the fashion industry.
The "Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears" programme enabled the acquisition of practical and relevant skills with a focus on local styles, upcycled fashion, traditional textile design and financial literacy. At the end of the twelve months, the trainees held a fashion show to present their works in Ghana or Kenya: the perfect opportunity to get in contact with local fashion companies, start the internships process and establish long-term employment opportunities.
“UNFPA is working with creative industries to find innovative ways to support young women from ‘left behind’ communities to access their rights and choices in order to unlock their full potential. Fashion is a powerful platform to provide long-term, sustainable education and development opportunities across the world. We are proud to launch our partnership with Prada Group and its people through this impactful program that focuses on women's economic inclusion, pushes boundaries for sustainable development solutions, and acts as a springboard for further collaboration in the years to come.”
Mariarosa Cutillo, Chief of Strategic Partnerships, UNFPA
The training course promoted a greater understanding of women's rights and the reduction of gender inequalities. The programme provided comprehensive educational sessions in sexual and reproductive health - on topics such as menstrual health management, puberty and prevention of teenage pregnancies. In addition, participants received training in the prevention of and response to gender-based violence, equipping participants with valuable skills needed to help combat harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and child marriages.
The Prada Group, with a leading role in the fashion sector, and UNFPA, which has always been committed to promoting gender equality, formally entered into the partnership in 2021 and developed this training programme in collaboration with International Needs (Ghana), the Kitui County Government and the Kitui County Textile Center (Kenya).
“This training programme reflects Prada Group’s belief in fashion as a force for good. We are honoured to partner with UNFPA on this unique project to leverage the social and economic power of our industry to create more inclusive and equal societies.”
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Marketing Director & Head of Corporate Social Responsibility
“We are excited to continue deepening our partnership with UNFPA to mentor and empower the next generation of female artists through the “Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears” project. It is a privilege for Prada Group to play a role in expanding the opportunities available to aspiring young designers from around the world.”
Malika Savell, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Prada Group, The Americas