The Power of Crowns
#GiveThemACrown
Reimagining Female Empowerment with Give Her A Crown
In a world where stories shape our understanding of one another, the power of storytelling has never been more crucial. The ‘Give Her A Crown’ campaign, launched in August 2020, stands as a testament to this transformative power, weaving a narrative that is both urgent and inspiring. It’s a call to action, inviting all of us to become part of a global movement aimed at shifting the way we perceive and value women, not just in South Africa, but around the world.
At its core, ‘Give Her A Crown’ is more than just a campaign. It’s a platform for female empowerment that is grounded in the belief that storytelling and the arts can change the narrative for women – those who have been survivors, activists, pioneers and those who are emerging as the next generation of change-makers. Each crown created, each story told, becomes part of a collective memory, reshaping what it means to be a woman in today’s world.
With this year’s New York Fashion Week being a highlight for five South African designers – an event that showcased not only the beauty of fashion but also the resilience of these creatives – it’s evident that the fusion of art and activism continues to resonate globally. Their collections brought the theme of #ShiftingPerspectives to life, informed by the rich narratives of their heritage, and struck a powerful balance between aesthetic innovation and cultural commentary. But fashion, as breathtaking as it is, becomes even more powerful when it stands for something larger. And that’s where ‘Give Her A Crown’ truly shines.
Storytelling as a tool for change
When it launched in 2020, it was with the intention of telling the stories of all women. The campaign looked to those who had been silenced and gave them a platform. In the early days, the focus was on South African women – the survivors of gender-based violence, the trailblazing activists, the creative pioneers and the fearless leaders shaping the future. However, as the campaign gained momentum, it became clear that these stories resonated far beyond the borders of our nation. They echoed across the globe, reminding us all that the fight for gender inequality is universal.
The power of these stories is undeniable. They open conversations, they educate and they empower. And, through this, we are beginning to change the way society views women and the role they play. We are dismantling outdated perceptions, piece by piece, and constructing a future where women are recognised for their value, their strength and their unique contributions.
One of the key ways the campaign does this is through the arts. Art has always been a medium of expression and, through ‘Give Her A Crown,’ they have seen artists use their craft to drive meaningful change. In 2020, they partnered with 16 local artists, each creating a bespoke crown of art in their chosen material. These crowns were not just symbolic; they were powerful representations of the strength, resilience and beauty of women. The proceeds from these works, which were sold during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, enabled the campaign to develop and launch the #GiveThemACrown initiative.
Empowering the next generation
The #GiveThemACrown initiative is one of their proudest achievements. It’s a CAPS-aligned, Digital School Kit that equips educators with the tools they need to champion gender equality in schools. It provides course material designed to foster important discussions about gender roles, inequality and empowerment, helping to create a more informed and conscious generation of young people. This initiative represents their commitment to education as a means of addressing the root causes of gender inequality.
When we empower educators, we empower the next generation. And when we empower the next generation, we begin to see real, lasting change. The #GiveThemACrown initiative is not just about teaching; it’s about creating an environment where young people can question societal norms, challenge the status quo and, ultimately, become the leaders of a more equitable world.
Each year, the campaign evolves, taking on a new concept, partnering with a new set of artists to drive the narrative forward. This year, the theme was focused on #ShiftingPerspectives – to challenge societal norms and how we perceive the role of women in society. Art has the unparalleled power to change viewpoints, to nudge the observer into new realms of thought and to act as a catalyst to redefine boundaries, break stereotypes and inspire. Rewriting the defined role of a woman, so that all women are celebrated and empowered. Change begins when perspectives lift, as society’s conscience undergoes a shift..
The global reach of a South African campaign
While the origins of ‘Give Her A Crown’ are firmly rooted in South Africa, the campaign has grown to have an international impact. They have worked with global ambassadors – trailblazing women such as Phumzile Sitole and Nomathamsanqa ‘Thami’ Nkadimeng – who use their platforms to amplify the platform. These women are not just representatives of the campaign; they are embodiments of the values they stand for. Their stories, much like the stories of the women they champion in South Africa, are ones of perseverance and courage.
And it’s this global reach that has allowed them to tap into opportunities like New York Fashion Week, where South African designers were given the stage to showcase their work. Fashion, in this sense, becomes more than just a display of creativity – it becomes a tool for dialogue, for challenging stereotypes and for celebrating the contributions of women in a field that has often marginalised them. These designers, much like the artists who create the crowns, are telling stories of resilience and empowerment through their work.
But the work doesn’t end with fashion shows and art exhibitions. The heart of ‘Give Her A Crown’ lies in the ongoing efforts to create real change in the lives of women. Whether it’s through educational initiatives like #GiveThemACrown or the Crown Bursary Fund, which provides financial support to female artists, we are committed to making a lasting difference.
The role of conscious individuals
The ‘Give Her A Crown’ campaign would not be possible without the support of conscious individuals like you. People who understand the importance of living a life that aligns with values of empathy, equality and justice. This is a call to those who are already living a conscious lifestyle – or those who are looking to start – to become part of this movement.
It is through collective action that we will be able to create the kind of change we want to see. Whether it’s by donating to the campaign or simply sharing the stories we tell, on our social media platforms, every contribution counts. And for those who are looking to do more, they invite you to support the Crown Bursary and Educational Funds. By making a once-off or monthly donation, you can help them continue their work to empower female artists, to open conversations and to address gender inequality in meaningful ways.
Join the movement
At the heart of the ‘Give Her A Crown’ campaign is a simple but powerful message: Women deserve to be heard, seen and celebrated. Their stories are worth telling and their contributions are invaluable.
As we look towards the future, we are filled with hope. Hope that, through the power of storytelling and the arts, we can continue to change the narrative. Hope that, with the support of conscious individuals, we can continue to drive impact both in South Africa and around the world. And hope that the next generation will grow up in a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a reality.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can give women the crown they deserve.
Support our mission by making a once-off or monthly donation to the Crown Bursary and Educational Funds. Your contribution will help empower female artists, create impactful conversations and address gender inequality. Together, we can change the world one crown at a time.
Donate today and be part of the movement!
Crown Bursary Fund: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Crown_Bursary_Fund
Crown Educational fund: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Crown_Educational_fund