#odetoaskana

[hausofstoneafrica]

S A L L Y Set

Sally Mugabe (above)

The Sally maxi skirt & crop top are named after Sally Mugabe (deputy secretary for the Women - Ghana/ Zimbabwe)

We respect and adore women who stand up for nations that may not even be their own. Sally Mugabe’s attitude showed that women are strong enough to hold an entire nation together. Outspoken when it came to oppression, using her voice to incite positive change.

Sally top and skirt (above)

TEASERS ABOUT SALLY MUGABE

During the liberation war of Zimbabwe, Sally  assumed a new role of mother figure and counselor of the young guerrillas who were fighting in the war. She also canvassed financial, diplomatic and material support for the struggle especially in Scandinavia where she had established a wide network of friends and sympathizers. In 1978 she was elected the Deputy Secretary of the Women’s League. Sally Mugabe’s greatest and most memorable contribution to Zimbabwe was her tireless devotion to improving the welfare of children and the underprivileged members of our society.

If you would like to read more about Sally Mugabe click on the link below

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.herald.co.zw/cde-sally-was-a-courageous-mother/amp/

[hausofstoneafrica]

AFRICAN STORYTELLERS

Haus Of Stone dedicates this visual poem & collection to all the powerful women/ sisters, whom even through the 'beautiful carnage' that is life, have found healing and the strength to press on. This inspirational poem by Ngonizashe Chinhara takes us through that journey.

Ngonizashe Chinhara (above photographer)

INSPIRATIONAL POEM

The Place, is our lands

The year, is one that is not our own

At this intersect we find our three women

in the midst of escape

in the middle of growth

in the middle of change

they have left the comfort of what they knew in search of their own definitions

they flee from the constraints of culture,

the chains of family, the prison of society.

Home was no longer a nest.

Instead it is a bed of thorns.

Too weary to keep living a lie

Too much energy to keep standing still.

They find themselves here.

In the middle place

The growing place

It bends them in ways they never knew possible.

Sometimes gently

Sometimes breaking.

Always moulding.

This is the beginning and the middle.

But not the end.

By Ngonizashe Chinhara (Photographers Rendition of 'Ode to Askana') 

[hausofstoneafrica]

TAYTU HI-LO TOP

Taytu Betul (above)

Named after Taytu Betul (Queen and Empress - Ethiopia)

We always want to celebrate women that stand up for whole nations, and who played a role in the added freedom we as African’s enjoy today. We still have a long way to go, but women like Taytu set the pace and standard for generations to follow. We applaud her strategic nature, a characteristic that is a true reflection of why we as women today are a force to be reckoned with because we do it with such grace.

TAYTU HI-LO TOP (above)

TEASERS ABOUT TAYTU BETUL

She used her exceptional intelligence to strengthen and extend her power through a blend of patronage, political marriages and leadership craft. She defeated the Italians by organizing strategic fighting. To this day, she remains a linguistic legend in Italy. The phrase “Chi si crede di essere, la regina Taitu?” (“Who does she think she is, the Empress Taytu?”) is still used to describe women who act like they’re above their station. She is evidence that women hold within themselves the strength to rise and become powerful and be remembered for centuries. When one woman rises, we all rise. 

Read more about Taytu on the below link

https://www.rejectedprincesses.com/princesses/taytu-betul

[hausofstoneafrica]

HUDA KAFTAN

Huda Shaarawi (above)

Named after Huda Shaarawi (Feminist leader and nationalist - Egypt)

The story is not her own but for  humanity to learn from. Huda blazed a trail for feminism in a time when feminism wasnt even a movement. She faced prosecution and rejection to vocalize her pain and start a revolution for the silent women who faced centuries of oppression.

HUDA KAFTAN (above)

TEASERS ABOUT HUDA

Huda Shaarawi was raised in the harem system, which kept women secluded and veiled from men. In 1908, she founded the first philanthropic society run by Egyptian women, where they offered services for poor women and children.

She opened a school for girls focused on academics in 1910, rather than teaching practical skills like midwifery which was common at the time.

In 1923, Huda Shaarawi founded the Egyptian Feminist Union, which is still active as a non-profit today. They focused on various issues, including women’s suffrage and education. Huda was also passionately against restrictions on women’s dress and freedom of movement, which was a central part of harem life.

Nabawiyya Musa,  Huda Shaarawi, Saiza Naharawi (above)

With her unique blend of western-style feminism with her own country’s customs, culture, and Egyptian nationalism, Huda Shaarawi influenced millions of Arab women and people all around the world to also lift their veil.

To learn more about Buda click on the below link

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Huda-Sharawi