Introduction
Gender-responsive development is ensured in all areas of activity via the activities of non-profit organizations and community engagement. Gender development may be facilitated by community engagement, effective stakeholder and non-profit organization participation, and education policies and programs that use locally feasible and culturally suitable methods (Viruell-Fuentes et al. 2102). While gender roles are generally accepted, there are regional and cultural differences in how they are expressed. In this regard, it is crucial to engage in different events promoting the issues of women and gender.
Tracy Reese: Hopes for Flowers
American fashion designer Tracey Reese specializes in creating vivacious, feminine clothing for modern ladies with her trademark rich, vivid colors and distinctive designs. The design ethos of Tracey Reese is founded on the desire to highlight the beauty of women of all shapes and sizes. Tracey Reese has changed her company approach to focus on a slower, more sustainable fashion model as she continues to develop (UM Stamps). The collection Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese, which was ethically designed and made, was introduced by Tracy in 2019 (UM Stamps). Each item is manufactured using eco-friendly components and organic textiles made in facilities that value and maintain a high standard of living, in addition to paying fair salaries.
Reese is now developing a craft studio in Detroit that offers women in marginalized neighborhoods employment opportunities. She also started a program for Detroit public school children to enhance their cultural experiences. She launched the Hope for Flowers arts enrichment program to give Detroit’s youngsters more accessible opportunities to engage with the arts and culture (UM Stamps). Detroit adults and children will be able to use the studio’s free weekend and evening seminars and workshops. The curriculum is designed to cultivate local creative talent and revive sustainable living practices that have fundamentally been a part of Black culture, primarily focused on enhancing the arts. A crucial aspect of the event is the recognition that changing the perception that sustainability is an exclusive idea is the first step in influencing sustainability in communities of color (UM Stamps). Hope for Flowers’ artisans will take part in educational sessions as part of its activities to show how local artists can both work and benefit their communities.
Within the event, Tracey discussed the road to ethical design in this session, as well as the goal of Hope for Flowers, which is to empower women and young people in order to have a good social influence. In essence, it provided a variety of functions by outlining both novel concepts and pressing problems. Through her efforts, Tracey developed fresh concepts meant to illustrate the application of sustainable development and the significance of gender in the advancement of society through the arts. She called attention to the issue of diminishing elitist black culture as well as women’s art. She has made an effort to demonstrate that everyone can take part in various community involvement activities through her apparel line and activity projects. Due to its adaptability and Tracy’s assurance in not just portraying women’s gender and sustainable development concerns but also truly bringing them to life, this event may be seen as a success.
Experience from the Event
Even though my engagement in this event was restricted to observing, I still felt very involved in the principles and general concept of Hope for Flowers. The ability to examine gender and women’s concerns from various angles, particularly the idea of sustainable development, was seen as a key component of this experience’s contribution to self-development. Similar to the activities of music gatherings through concerts and group workshops, art and fashion have an influence on community participation. It was a lovely experience to be pushed to reflect more deeply on the underlying ideas of sustainability and gender while also feeling engaged and delighted by the program.
Intersection of Gender
Since they mutually produce and support one another and, as a result, cannot be isolated from one another, the primary axes of inequality in modern countries are thought to be inexorably connected. A novel approach to social inequality, called intersectional theory, has the power to reveal and explain previously unrecognized health disparities (Viruell-Fuentes et al. 2101). The interplay of gender, racism and class was the main topic of the event. Focus has been placed on the African American identity, with the argument being made that it is crucial in determining how gender and women’s concerns are understood. The event emphasized the intersectional approach by emphasizing that marginalized groups along the axes of inequality are deemed visible minorities.
Conclusion
Activities that promote community involvement can assist in ensuring an integrated strategy at every level of gender and development. Additionally, it is crucial to consider each person’s unique experience of belonging to a certain gender while addressing gender. A true grasp of the origins and gender roles in a community or group is necessary for effective gender development intervention. The event showed the intersectional approach manifested in art and fashion, bringing up acute issues and the way how community engagement can shift women and gender understanding and development.
Works Cited
“Tracy Reese: Hope for Flowers.” YouTube, uploaded by UM Stamps, Web.
Viruell-Fuentes, Edna A., Patricia Y. Miranda, and Sawsan Abdulrahim. “More than culture: structural racism, intersectionality theory, and immigrant health.” Social Science & Medicine vol. 75, no. 12, 2012, 2099-2106.