It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it. ~Voltaire
The African Women’s Decade 2010-2020 was recently launched in the UK by WILPF in conjunction with the Gender Studies department at SOAS (School of African and Oriental Studies).
I attended for three reasons: Firstly, I’ve come to see the empowerment of African Women as one of the movements I aim to dedicate a big chunk of my life’s zest to. Secondly, when I lived in New York I was a volunteer for WILPF and thirdly, I would love do my MA in Gender and African studies at SOAS.
The main focus of the event was to mark the start of the African Women’s Decade 2010-2020 and raise awareness about it here in the UK, as well as celebrate the achievements of African women around the globe. Read more about the Maputo protocol and sign the petition here.
On a much lesser scale, MsAfropolitan is paying tribute to the African Women’s Decade with the launch of the MsAfropolitan Boutique ! The goal is to support and become a resource for merchandise produced by African women in the diaspora, and to kick off, the selection ranges from silk scarves and jewellery to art and ankara toys. Please take a moment to think of ways you might be able to contribute to the African Women’s decade, light a candle perhaps, come appreciate the beautiful products, and treat yourself if you see something you like.
Oh, I really am anal about this concept of seven‘s.
The MsAfropolitan Boutique contains 25 (2 + 5 = 7) items by seven Afropolitan women, hand picked by me, on a rotating basis.
If you don’t trust that I have good taste, then check me out in this outfit! 😉
Without further ado, please allow me to introduce to you ladies and gents, seven very talented and inspiring MsAfropolitan’s out there doing something positive in a fabulous way.
1. Eki-Orleans
2. Aya Morrison
3. Lady Soül Rebel
4. Es N Yaa
5. Eva Sonaike
6. Ifenkili
7. Shiri Achu Art
I’ve saved the best for last 🙂 The MsAfropolitan Boutique is offering a 10% discount on the items I’ve hand picked.
Actually, there is one more important thing: In support of the African Women’s Decade, I’d like to draw attention to a charity campaigning against FGM (female genital mutilation) and child marriages in Africa, two obstacles violating human right’s for many African women. With Alice Walker, Skunk Anansie and Baroness Gould as matrons and with a successful track record, The MsAfropolitan boutique is proud to be donating from profits to Forward UK.
I would love to hear your thoughts. Do you like the products? Do you know any Afropolitan women who might be suitable for future rotations? (oh I do see this ‘seven’ concept going down the drain…)
I really dnt get how ppl can be so wrapped up in tradition, old ways of uneducated bunch of people.
And force innocent little girls to go through such a terrible terrible experience all for what!!!
How is this still happening!! I am really saddened from watching the video from your forward uk link.
I think what you are doing is wonderful.
I am all about female empowerment and I applaud you for what you do.
I am so glad to have stumbled upon your blog.
It has meaning and a sensible direction.
You have “amazing style” from your photo :-p
Congratulations on the launching of The MsAfropolitan Boutique.
I love buying things made by Africans and I have already spotted something I love from The
MsAfropolitan Boutique 😀
More grease to your elbow and all the MsAfropolitan’s mentioned as well all the others!!!!
H.o.B would love to help out in the near future 😉
I like your header!! You have changed it right?
xxx
Thank you, I am very glad that you stumbled on blog so I could stumble on yours and you.
Keep shining hun x
PS Yes the logo is new, and I’m pleased to hear you like it. It took ages as these things do, but the designer was really good.
LOLLL @ the photo of you! LOVE IT 🙂 Such a brilliant idea! Here’s wishing lots of fulfillment as you share the beauty of Africa with others.
xo,
Kemi
LOL that picture is hilarious hey!
Thanks for the encouraging words, ppl like you just make it all so worthwhile. Big ups! x
Just posted about this, glad to support African women doing their thing and helping others too!
https://mwanabaafrika.blogspot.com/2010/08/affordable-african-fashion.html
Love the items you picked. Seeing as I am flying back to the motherland on Sunday I just may pull a typical African stunt by taking the designs I want to my tailor to copy he he he ;}
thank uuu!
oi, you should at least have one original for your tailor 😉
lol i hear you girl.
I received one of the prints I’ve ordered from Shiri Achu (the artist) and she is so talented – proud to be selling a couple of her pieces.
Seeing as I won’t be in London till December, asking me to wait to be fashionable is asking too much!
The products are lovely. I’ve got my eye on the red silk scarf. 🙂
hi babe, great job. my to go to site now. will be checking out the boutique. kudos. your pic was just so fab. xx
Thanks fab lady. Hope you find something now or later in future, just holler 🙂
Culture Cynic and Gifty – I lost all my content the other day (pls remember to back up!) and had to restore to a date prior to your comments on this post.
Not sure you’ll get this update, but wanted to mention in case you had wondered whether I’d not approved your comments!
Hope you’re keeping well.