Christian Dior Couture continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to empowering women through its partnership with UNESCO. On March 28, 2024, Christian Dior Couture and UNESCO joined forces for the fifth consecutive year to present the Women@Dior & UNESCO 2024 Global Conference at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. This event served as a platform for five young Mentees from around the world to pitch their #DreamForChange projects, dedicated to valuing and empowering young girls in their local communities.
Led by the exceptional jury chaired by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Women’s Haute Couture, Ready-to-Wear, and Accessories Collections at Dior, the conference showcased a diverse range of initiatives aimed at driving positive change for women and girls globally. Olivier Sastre, Deputy Managing Director in charge of Human Resources and Sustainability at Dior, and Min Jeong Kim, Director of Division for Education 2030 at UNESCO, were among the distinguished members of the jury, along with other prominent figures such as Vanessa Moungar, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at LVMH Group, and Leymah Gbowee, Noble Peace Prize Laureate and Women’s Rights Advocate.
The Dream For Change projects presented at the conference highlighted the innovative and impactful work being done to address a wide range of issues affecting women and girls. From promoting body positivity in South Korea to improving access to hygiene products in the Ivory Coast, these initiatives are driving meaningful change at the grassroots level. Project Meraki, for example, is empowering socio-economically disadvantaged Indian women artisans to grow their businesses sustainably, while the sHEART Foundation aims to dismantle systemic gender imbalances in the art world in France and Japan.
The collaboration between Christian Dior Couture and UNESCO underscores the importance of collective action in addressing gender inequality and empowering women worldwide. By providing a platform for young women to share their ideas and initiatives, the Women@Dior & UNESCO Global Conference is fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that transcends borders and empowers communities.
As the world continues to grapple with complex social and economic challenges, the need to prioritize women’s empowerment has never been more urgent. Christian Dior Couture recognizes the pivotal role that fashion and luxury brands can play in driving positive change and promoting gender equality. Through initiatives like the Women@Dior & UNESCO Global Conference, Christian Dior Couture is leveraging its influence and resources to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
The success of the #DreamForChange projects presented at the conference serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving positive social impact. By working together, Christian Dior Couture and UNESCO are paving the way for a future where women and girls everywhere have the opportunity to thrive and fulfill their potential.
As Christian Dior Couture looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of empowering women and driving positive change. By continuing to support initiatives like the Women@Dior & UNESCO Global Conference, Christian Dior Couture is not only shaping the fashion industry but also making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls around the world.
