Socially Responsible Fashion

There is overwhelming evidence that strong women and gender equality are associated with peace and stability in society. Yet women are an undermined group, working in vulnerable, low-paid, or under-valued jobs, and are more likely to end their lives in poverty.

Here's what we are doing to change that.

The Issue
Formal education is not readily accessible to low income families and boys mostly take priority over girls when resources are limited. Those who go to school often fail to receive a quality education due to lack of the necessary scholastic materials, conducive study environments or too little time for homework. Without an education, career options are limited, thus engaging the cycle of poverty.

The Result
Better-educated, well-rounded women, equipped with income generating skills and capable of running successful and professional careers. An established culture of collaboration which develops interpersonal skills and boosts confidence. A network of world changers advancing together, built with supportive relationships, sharing impartial advice and experience.

Security & Equality

The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn,
the bird waits in the egg, and in the highest vision of the soul a waking angel stirs.
Dreams are the seedlings of realities.
~James Allen

The Issue
There is a persistent inequality in earnings, education, political representation, and health outcomes for women. Gender inequality is not only a hindrance to economic growth, it is also a root cause of Violence Against Women, the detrimental consequences for which are far-reaching beyond affected individuals and their families to the society.

Our Approach
Every stage of operation -from sourcing materials, up to the finished product- is built around empowering women. Beyond providing business and employment for women, Msichana is building a nurturing work environment with strong mentorship, counselling and role models, boosting confidence and raising awareness about gender equality and human rights.

The Result
A working woman is less likely to be disrespected in the home, and earning an income ensures her a say in her family and the allocation of its resources.

When a woman can provide for her family, she acquires emotional, financial, and even physical security and does not have to remain stuck in an unhealthy situation.

Family Life

A family is like a forest, when you are outside it is dense;
when you are inside you see that each tree has its place.
~ African Proverb

The Issue
Women bear majority of the necessary yet uncompensated work in society (housework, child care, sick and elderly care). This limits the amount of time they have to go to school and/or earn income, and affects the type, location, and nature of paid work they can take on, resulting in vulnerability to exploitation.

Our Approach
A workplace culture that supports individuals with caregiving responsibilities including sick and parental leave. Flexible work options, days off and work schedules that ensure individuals can balance work with their other life responsibilities or goals.

The Result
Women are able to combine other responsibilities with a career and have time for education, leisure and self-care.

Freedom and flexibility encourages increased female labour force participation which, in turn, results in faster economic growth.

Culture

We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.
~Jimmy Carter

The Issue

We need diversity of thought in order to find effective solutions to today's wide array of challenges. Yet commercial media has the potential to drown out local cultural influences resulting in loss of individualism, and stereotypes, fuelled by negative press, distort perceptions and foster prejudices against differences.

Our Approach

An avenue to explore and examine our identity and that of others. Celebrating diversity by fusing the richness and positivity of various cultures and increasing mainstream media representation of different ethnicities. Our products incorporate local materials that are representative of the regions in which they are made.

The Result
A developed self-awareness and better understanding extinguishes unnecessary biases and stereotypes.

With an informed appreciation for diversity, we can harness "the art of thinking independently together," open and authentic dialogue to find new solutions to today's challenges.

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”

– Andy Warhol