Fashion for Peace: DRC and Somali Students Lead the Way

In conflict-affected regions, where communities are often torn apart by violence and division, fashion has emerged as a powerful tool for healing, unity, and peacebuilding. In particular, students from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Somalia, two countries with histories of conflict, are using fashion to make a positive impact on their communities and contribute to the peace process.

Fashion, often seen as an expression of personal identity and creativity, is now being harnessed as a way to bridge cultural divides, create dialogue, and empower individuals in conflict-affected areas. In both the DRC and Somalia, fashion programs, supported by institutions like Delight Technical College, are helping students lead the way toward peace through design, collaboration, and cultural expression.

1. Fashion as a Tool for Cultural Reconciliation

In conflict zones like the DRC and Somalia, different ethnic groups and communities may have experienced violence and tension, leading to a loss of trust and social cohesion. Fashion can be a powerful way to bring these groups together, allowing individuals to express their shared heritage and cultural identity in a way that fosters unity rather than division.

• Example: In the DRC, students studying fashion are incorporating traditional Congolese fabrics and designs into contemporary pieces, which helps preserve cultural heritage while promoting unity among different ethnic groups. By collaborating on fashion projects, students from diverse backgrounds are able to connect through a shared love for design and creative expression, which ultimately fosters reconciliation.
• Example: In Somalia, where clan divisions have historically caused conflict, fashion design programs allow students from different clans to collaborate on fashion collections. These projects help break down stereotypes, encourage cross-clan relationships, and create a platform for young people to focus on shared goals rather than historical divisions.

2. Empowering Women Through Fashion Design

In many conflict-affected areas, women bear the brunt of violence and displacement. Fashion, however, is providing a way for women to regain their sense of self-worth, independence, and empowerment. In the DRC and Somalia, female students are using fashion as a means of expressing their resilience and strength.

• Example: In Somalia, women who have been affected by displacement due to conflict are finding hope and empowerment through fashion. By learning to design and produce clothing, they gain skills that not only provide a livelihood but also give them the opportunity to be agents of change in their communities. Many of these women go on to create their own businesses, providing employment opportunities for other women and contributing to the economic development of their communities.
• Example: In the DRC, women are using fashion design as a means of social and economic empowerment. Through training programs, they learn how to create garments from local materials, turning traditional crafts into valuable businesses. These efforts allow women to rebuild their lives and become role models for others in their communities, demonstrating that creativity and entrepreneurship are powerful tools for peace and progress.

3. Fashion as a Medium for Storytelling

Fashion provides an avenue for individuals to tell their personal and collective stories. In the DRC and Somalia, fashion has become a way for students to communicate their experiences, struggles, and hopes for a brighter future. Through design, these young people share their vision of peace and reconciliation, helping to raise awareness and promote dialogue.

• Example: Students in the DRC often design garments that reflect the struggles their communities have faced during the years of conflict, while also symbolizing hope and resilience. These designs incorporate imagery that speaks to their aspirations for peace and unity. These garments are often displayed at exhibitions and fashion shows, where the stories behind each piece are shared, creating opportunities for public reflection and discussion.
• Example: Somali students use fashion as a tool to raise awareness about the country’s political and social issues. By designing clothing that incorporates symbols of peace, hope, and unity, they encourage young people to think critically about the importance of peacebuilding and community healing. Fashion events organized by students also create platforms for dialogue about the future of Somalia and the role of youth in the peace process.

4. Bridging Borders Through Collaborative Fashion Projects

In today’s globalized world, fashion is increasingly seen as a platform for international collaboration. Through cross-border collaborations, students from the DRC and Somalia are building relationships with peers in other African countries, and even beyond, to create a shared vision of peace through fashion.

• Example: Delight Technical College, with its focus on regional integration, has facilitated collaborative fashion projects between students from the DRC, Somalia, and other East African countries. These collaborations provide students with an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and work together on designs that reflect a shared commitment to peace, solidarity, and a united African future.
• Example: Somali and DRC students who have participated in international fashion shows and events report that these experiences have helped broaden their perspectives and strengthened their commitment to using fashion as a tool for peace. By working with international designers, they gain exposure to different techniques and ideas, while also sharing their own cultural heritage through their designs.

5. Sustainable Fashion for Economic Growth and Stability

Fashion is also seen as a vehicle for sustainable development in conflict-affected regions. Students in the DRC and Somalia are learning how to create eco-friendly and sustainable designs, which not only address the immediate needs of their communities but also contribute to long-term economic growth and stability.

• Example: In Somalia, where the economy has been severely impacted by years of conflict, fashion students are turning to sustainable materials such as recycled fabrics, locally sourced textiles, and eco-friendly dyes. By producing sustainable fashion, these students are contributing to environmental preservation while creating jobs and economic opportunities in their communities.
• Example: In the DRC, fashion students are also focusing on sustainable design, using locally available materials to create beautiful garments that appeal to both local and international markets. By focusing on sustainability, these students are able to generate income for themselves and their families, while promoting environmentally friendly practices that can have a lasting positive impact on their communities.

Conclusion

Through fashion, students from conflict-affected regions like the DRC and Somalia are leading the way toward healing, unity, and peace. By using their creativity to bridge cultural divides, empower women, tell stories of resilience, and collaborate across borders, they are not only reshaping the fashion industry but also contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous future for their communities. Fashion has become more than just a form of self-expression—it is a tool for peace, economic growth, and social change.