Overview

The main objective of the Female Footprints Project is to contribute towards a gender equal future. To reach our objective the project uses creative methods to challenge harmful and outdated stereotypes about women by putting the spotlight on female change makers from Zanzibar, and thereby increasing the awareness, critical reflections and public debate around topics related to gender equality. Despite systemic gender discrimination that penetrate all layers of society and sectors, Zanzibari women are the cornerstones of Zanzibar's society where they are innovating, breaking boundaries, nurturing their communities, upholding their cultural heritage and creating change. The Female Footprints project aims to challenge harmful narratives and stereotypes of African women and gendered norms and structures by celebrating the diversity, agency and power of Zanzibari women and their achievements by using media, culture and arts in innovative ways. In 2020 we were awarded the Swedish Institute´s Creative Force Seed Grant which enabled us to start the process of creating the book "Female Footprints - Women of Zanzibar", a unique bi-lingual book featuring stories about 24 female change makers from the Zanzibari Islands. The combined stories highlights the various roles and spaces women are occupying and excelling in - ranging from a rural teacher, Going forward the Female Footprints Projects project activities are centred around three main pillars: (1) Creating a children's book about Zanzibar female change makers, (2) Outreach activities targeting youth and agents of change using our books as tools to engage with topics related to gender equality and, (3) Creating the 2nd edition of the Female Footprints Book. The Female Footprints Project works to continue to open up more pathways for female footprints to continue to lead the way towards a gender equal future.