The project “Impress Yourself” aims to create greater awareness of integration among disadvantaged women with a migrant background, strengthen their self-confidence, and support their inclusion in the labour market.
Background
Women with a migrant background still face discrimination in the German labour market and in access to further training opportunities. This continues to be a major obstacle to successful integration in the host society. In response, this low-threshold project was developed to offer disadvantaged women new perspectives and practical problem-solving strategies by improving access to employment opportunities and promoting art and creativity in everyday life.
Project Methodology
The African fashion show “Impress Yourself” is a project of AfricanTide Union e.V., implemented in Dortmund in cooperation with partner organisations that share similar objectives. The programme is structured in three phases:
- a preparatory phase dedicated to artistic exchange;
- a phase focused on building self-confidence, facilitating integration, and presenting the fashion show;
- a final phase involving data collection and project evaluation, including both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
The Event
This low-threshold gender project of AfricanTide Union e.V. is presented in cooperation with the City of Dortmund and other partners. The latest collection is to be showcased at the Dortmunder U, providing participants with a public platform to present their creativity and talent.
Target Group and Focus
The project focuses on niche opportunities in the creative sector. Each collection highlights distinctive elements of African fashion and design in Germany. The show is conceived as a celebratory event that brings visibility to the talents of migrant women from Africa and supports their transition into the fashion industry as designers.
The project places particular emphasis on the participants’ craftsmanship, technical skill, and creativity in textile finishing and design. By showcasing their work in a professional setting, “Impress Yourself” seeks not only to empower the women involved, but also to demonstrate their potential as active contributors to the creative economy.
Expected Impact
Through the combination of creativity, public recognition, and practical empowerment, the project contributes to:
- strengthening participants’ self-confidence;
- improving their integration opportunities;
- increasing their visibility in the labour market;
- and opening up pathways into the fashion and creative industries.
Overall, “Impress Yourself” is both an artistic and socially empowering project that supports disadvantaged migrant women in developing their talents, expanding their opportunities, and gaining greater confidence in their role within society.
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