Cheers from our little trip to North Rhine-Westphalia!
As some of you know we were awarded by Fritz Henkel Stiftung and Social Impact Lab as being one of Germany’s eight best projects using arts and culture to create participation and belonging among migrant communities in Germany.
It’s a huge honour after deciding to push the boundaries and take on the unorthodox approach of blending beauty with feminist activist work.
Stories from the Beauty Parlor didn't take home one of the three main prizes this time. Those went to projects supporting refugees and migrants in Sachsen Alhalt, where the recent AfD election victory makes their work, visibility and solidarity more important than ever. And honestly, we're glad these initiatives are getting the attention and support they deserve.
A huge congratulations to Villa Wertvoll, Paper Lantern, GROUND and Wüste Welle! In our eyes, every project recognized that day left the room a winner.
BUT and here’s a small but; the far right such as Afd is not only targeting out migrants and refugees, one of their other main targets is women’s and queer rights. That’s why it’s EXTREMELY important that “women’s issues” isn’t thought of outside of the “we must support democracy work” that is currently being mobilized for. Also since women are the core people for democracy-strengthening work all over the world.
Us being on stage was that reminder.
In this spirit, we left with so many exciting new connections — both from the inspiring NGO and arts projects and the amazing employees at Henkel who were very enthusiastic about potential ideas we could develop together, utilizing the hairdressing space (and profession) for democracy, joy and belonging.
And because apparently we don't believe in taking breaks, the very next morning we were already at Viel Respektzentrum in Essen, meeting our new alliance of migrant women’s organisations with whom we are planning our upcoming podcast episodes and... a big Newroz / Spring Festival with!
The festival will also be a fundraiser supporting, among others, women's initiatives in Afghanistan. More on that very soon!