One of the missions for this year’s International Women’s Day, which was celebrated a few days ago, is “to celebrate the work of women creatives and elevate visibility for commercial projects and commissions”. As part of its ongoing commitment to foster unity and positive change through community action, Nigerian streetwear brand ASHLUXE recently released a specially-designed limited edition T-shirt to celebrate IWD ’21. Far from being just another merch drop, the limited T-shirt release is a charitable endeavour, as 100% of all the proceeds will be donated to the Visual Arts unit of the Department for Creative Arts at the University of Lagos.

 

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The donated proceeds will be used to purchase much-needed equipment and materials, and in line with IWD global aim of accelerating gender parity, the monies will also assist in offsetting the school fees of at least three female visual arts students for an academic session. Commenting on the philanthropic drop, ASHLUXE Yinka Ash said: “at Ashluxe we believe that true diversity at every level is the key to creative innovation and success, so it’s more important than ever that we celebrate and spotlight black women currently shaping the creative industry and also nurture the next generation of black female creatives. I cannot think of a better time than during Women’s Hist month.”

Considering the emphasis on STEM professions and Law as the “ideal” route promoted for many Nigerians, ASHLUXE’s gesture towards a Visual Arts program, which is subconsciously maligned in Nigeria’s aspirational society, validates those who have chosen that path, and will wholly support a several women as they pursue a degree that will enhance them ahead of their professional careers. “We are thrilled that ASHLUXE has chosen the Visual Arts Unit at UniLag as the beneficiary of this great initiative”, Professor of Art and Art History at the University of Lagos, Peju Layiwola, commented. “Gender inequality has been a long-standing issue in the art world, so we welcome any drive aimed to specifically nurture and support our female students. Donations as generous as this are vital to ensuring that the University will continue to fulfil its mission of teaching, creating for generations to come.”

You can shop the limited ASHLUXE T-shirts here.

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