ASTRAIA FOUNDATION
ASTRAIA emerged from a book project by the journalist and entrepreneur Kerstin Plehwe, in which 30 influential women from politics, business, and civil society worldwide share their experiences on the subject of careers, happiness, and success and whose income continues to support girls’ education projects to this day. A number of personalities from the book are still connected to ASTRAIA today and are involved as board members, honorary board, and ambassadors. Today ASTRAIA is active in more than 10 countries and is also involved in various international cooperations for the rights of girls and women.
Women make essential contributions in our world. They are mothers, grandmothers, earners, partners, and essential reference points in families. Nevertheless, in many countries, they are still disadvantaged, oppressed, or forced into permanent poverty by being denied access to education. ASTRAIA wants to change that and works nationally and internationally for a fairer world for women. In a broad social alliance, ASTRAIA provides a modern platform for involvement that is made easy and collects donations for projects that benefit girls and women, but also society as a whole.
The founder of FA254, Waridi Schrobsdorff, has been an ambassador and a part of ASTRAIA Foundation.
“Today’s young people have the right and deserve to be our leaders for tomorrow, and supporting young women in shaping into leaders is an important value for me.”
Editions
The Women’s Vinyl Project
This whole project is designed to give women a voice creatively. Women’s Vinyl Project is working alongside communities in Kenya with a particular interest in those communities that still practice Female Genital Cutting (FGM).
The Women’s Vinyl Project raises money through the sales of the vinyl, which will be donated to Zinduka, an organization working on the ground in rural communities to help support girls and stop FGM.
When Waridi learned about The Women’s Vinyl Project in February 2021, she was instantly drawn to it and became an ambassador for the project. This is what she had to say!
What inspired you to become an ambassador for the project?
After Meeting with Ruth, I was very interested to understand her part in the project and what difference she was making to bring positive changes or encouragement to the young woman of Vinyl. I firmly believe that voices formulated creatively have a strong Statement. Defining the movement with singing is not just artistic but also inspiring because singing is the language that has one voice. Ultimately, using the voice to motivate younger women and girls to raise their voices.
What’s your philosophy in life?
A quote from Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” evolves around my journey and life philosophy.
What do you love most about Kenya?
Nairobi for me is the New York of Africa, Kenya being Modern yet is still wild at heart.
Will you be singing for the vinyl?
I am not a singer, then again… Nothing is impossible.
2018 | GIZ Addis Ababa/ Berlin
The fourth edition of the competition was held by FA254 with the support of the German International Cooperation (GIZ), with the aim of discovering and promoting the best Ethiopian designers for a better sustainable future. FA254 hosted an international training and conference for the selected finalists in Addis Ababa. The best designers were invited to attend Berlin Fashion Week in July 2018 where they presented their collections at Greenshowroom to international buyers.
PRESS:
Vogue Italy
Premium Magazine
Ethical Fashion Online
Local Addis Ababa Newspaper.
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