On March 8th, in celebration of International Women’s Day, Levi’s launched “I Shape My World”, a global initiative dedicated to celebrating and elevating the extraordinary women who move our world forward every day. To celebrate the campaign, Levi’s hosted a screening and panel discussion the day before (March 7th) at Studio 525 in New York City. After the screening, the Q&A panel discussion featured Elaine Welteroth, Danielle Brooks, Karla Welch, and Maria Osado. Following the panel, guests mingled while getting a closer look at the Levi’s space. Levi’s made sure every guest left with a custom denim jacket or hoodie. We are personally obsessed with our denim jacket!
“I Shape My World” celebrates the spirit of women empowerment and the determination to inspire change. The campaign tells the story of women who are taking active efforts to fix something they feel doesn’t make sense in their world – whether that’s starting a global movement or changing something small in their own neighborhood.
There are over 40 collaborators from around the world participating in the 2019 “I Shape My World” campaign, from India, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, and more. From fighting off society’s female stereotypes to taking a stand for something they truly believe in, below are a few of the women and how they are shaping their world.
To view the full Shape My World PlayList, head over to their YouTube channel HERE. Below find a brief synopsis of each region.
INDIA
A contemporary Bollywood Actor, Swara Bhasker believes in speaking her mind. Very few are as frank as her about the reality of the Hindi film industry. “It’s really important for women to see other women doing something positive.” Swara has been active and vocal about existing stereotypes in the Hindi cinema right from gender discrimination; to pre-defined characteristics of a typical actress; to the portrayal of women in the society. Her belief in rising above fear and speaking out is what shapes her story.
MEXICO
Maria Osado was tired of seeing the same kind of models on the billboards and magazines of Mexico. “I come from a very restrictive world, so I created a modeling agency with a different approach to diversity.” Maria founded Güerxs, the modeling agency that’s redefining how Mexico sees beauty.
RUSSIA
For a lot of women in Russia, home is not always a safe place. Anna Rivina is giving them somewhere to go. “I’ve realized I can’t just wait around, I have to take action.” With a network of friends and fellow activists, the lawyer founded Nasiliyu, an online advocacy network that’s changing the national conversation on domestic violence.
SINGAPORE
Pads and tampons aren’t cheap. And it’s women in underprivileged communities who pay the price. So Rebecca Paranjothy found an eco-friendly way to bring feminine care to the women who needed it most.
THAILAND
As a photographer, Supattra Munsawaeng knows the significance of a smile. So when she learned about the struggles that children with cleft lips and palates experience, she snapped into action. “If we focus on our role, put efforts into our work, and communicate using our genuine feelings, it will reflect in our view of the world.”
TURKEY
As a kid with asthma, Şahika Ercümen was told to stay indoors as much as possible. But she found her own way out (or under). “The passion in me is stronger than asthma.” Through diving, she turned her weakness into a literal strength. “It became about attempting what has not been tried before, pushing limits, and bringing people together in doing so.” Today, she’s a world record-holding diver, motivational speaker, and champion for young athletes with disabilities.
UNITED STATES
On February 14, 2018, the unthinkable happened at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. And while many would shrink back in the aftermath of the tragedy, Delaney Tarr and her fellow survivors sprang into action. “After the tragedy, I had no choice but to become active.” What resulted was one of the largest student-led gun control protests in US history. One year later, and she’s showing no signs of stopping. “We know what we want, and we know how to get it, and we are not waiting any longer”.