Culture Through Her Eyes: Women, Fashion & The Power of Storytelling

If Nigeria could speak through its women, what would it say?

For International Women’s Day 2025, Serah Kassim is amplifying the voices of Nigerian women, celebrating their role in preserving culture, shaping fashion, and accelerating change. Through the “Culture Through Her Eyes” campaign, we asked everyday women funny, insightful, and powerful questions about their identity, traditions, and heritage.

The results? Unscripted laughter, deep conversations, and an undeniable truth—women are the heartbeat of culture.

Empowered by Culture: Women Speak on Fashion & Identity

At the heart Nigerian culture is a powerful force—women. From the vibrant Ankara prints of the market women to the regal Adire fabrics worn by queens, fashion is more than style; it’s a narrative passed down through generations.

When we asked women what Nigerian fashion means to them, the responses were diverse:

• Kemi, a university student, smiled as she said: "Fashion is how I tell my story without words. The boldness of my prints, the elegance of my gele—it’s all a statement of who I am."

• Mrs. Ade, a businesswoman, reflected: "Our mothers wrapped us in Aso Oke, and today, we wear it differently, but the essence remains the same—pride in our roots."

• Favor, a young professional, added: "I love how Nigerian fashion blends tradition and modernity. I can wear Adire to a boardroom and still feel like my grandmother would be proud."

Through their eyes, fashion isn’t just clothing; it’s a legacy that shapes confidence, identity, and empowerment.

The Role of Women in Preserving Culture

Nigeria’s history is rich with women who have used fashion as a tool for empowerment and cultural preservation. From legendary designers to everyday tailors, their craftsmanship keeps heritage alive.

We asked women, “Which Nigerian cultural symbol best represents empowerment?” The answers were fascinating:

📌 "Ankara Prints" – “It’s bold, vibrant, and unapologetic—just like the Nigerian woman.”

📌 "Gele" – “Wearing a headwrap is like wearing a crown. It gives me confidence and a sense of tradition.”

📌 "Beaded Jewelry" – “It reminds me of the queens in our history who led with power and grace.”

📌 "Adire Fabric" – “Hand-dyed by women, passed down for generations—this is our heritage.”

This interactive session sparked engaging debates, reminding us that culture isn’t static—it evolves with the women who carry it forward.

For ALL Women: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment

This year’s IWD theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, aligns perfectly with Serah Kassim’s mission—to provide culture influencers with high-quality pieces that celebrate identity.

• Rights: Women have always been at the forefront of preserving traditions, and their voices deserve to be heard.

• Equality: Culture belongs to everyone, and fashion is a universal language of expression.

• Empowerment: When a woman wears an SK piece, she doesn’t just wear clothing—she wears history, artistry, and confidence.

Accelerating Action: What’s Next?

As we move beyond IWD, the conversation continues. Serah Kassim is committed to:

✅ Collaborating with female artisans to keep traditional techniques alive.
✅ Using fashion to bridge the gap between heritage and modernity.
 ✅ Creating more campaigns that celebrate cultural storytelling through women’s voices.

📣 Join the Movement!
Share your cultural fashion story with us using #CultureThroughHerEyes and be part of a community where identity meets style.

Fashion is storytelling. Women are the authors.

Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at Serah Kassim. 🎉

Photo Credit: Pinterest...