Tamutenda ’26, partners up with a local non profit to host a hair braiding workshop in an effort to address gender equality.
Dress for Success is a world-wide non-profit organization that helps women in underprivileged communities find their financial footing in the world through seminars that promote professional and practical skills. They also teach women how to dress and style themselves to ensure maximum comfort and confidence when they are ready to enter the economy. I saw how this organization elevates women so they can reach their fullest potential in their desired profession, and I was inspired to do the same. I am passionate about uplifting women, especially in a world where statistically women are more likely than men to be impoverished (read about it here). I want to be a part of the movement towards gender-equality and try to further address disparities between the genders. The best way I thought of furthering this cause was collaborating with Northern New Jersey’s Chapter of Dress For Success to host a hair braiding workshop.
I feel that being confident and self-assured is crucial, especially as a woman in the work-place, or in an interview to create a desired lasting impression. Components of confidence include, but are not limited to self-presentation—it’s important to feel assured whenever you are entering an unfamiliar environment. I thought I could help women in my community get there by teaching them how to braid.
On a regular basis people spend upwards of $200 to get their hair done into basic box braids. Teaching people how to braid not only helps lessen the financial burden of getting hair done in a salon, but is also helpful in creating a life and work balance because taking care of natural hair in the morning is sometimes an arduous process. So, the latter is preferred, low-maintenance styles. They could be any form of braided hair, which include box braids, cornrows, natural locks, knotless braids, and any type of crochet styles.
Low-maintenance hairstyles allow us to spend less time getting ready, they are very fashionable and most importantly keep our hair protected. Protective styles are worth the money spent but most people can’t afford them. It is not realistic for most people to take $200 out of their paycheck monthly to get their hair done. I especially realized this during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020; money was a bit tight for my family and I couldn’t go out to get my hair done anyway. So I sat down, determined to learn how to braid from YouTube videos and practiced on myself. I’ve braided my own hair ever since and I’m grateful for that decision because it is going to help others through this grant.
